Fans Remember Ben E. King

Sad news. Soul singer and member of The Drifters, Ben E. King passed away at age 76 of natural causes on April 30. Best known for his song, "Stand By Me," King was undoubtedly a legend among legends in the soul music community, and his musical talent and his impact on R&B are indisputable. After all, you don't get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have your most famous tune voted as one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America for nothing.

Understandably, fans of King are heartbroken. But in the midst of their sadness, they have taken some time to mourn the singer on social media. Though it is tragic that we didn't get more time with King, it is a heartwarming thing to see such a diverse range of people come together in real time to pay tribute to such an icon.

King's old band posted a Facebook tribute about his contribution to the music industry, and fellow soul singer Gary U.S. Bonds weighed in on his personal connection and friendship to King on his Facebook page. Among everyday fans posting on Twitter, there were also some celebrities who tweeted their thoughts, like Adam Levine and Will Wheaton. If there's anything we can take away from this, it's that it shows how an extraordinary individual like King can touch so many people, both famous and non-famous, and have them be united, if ever so briefly, in such a trying time. And that is a beautiful thing.