By Katie Handlon

Former member of the Drifters, Ben E. King celebrated his 70th birthday at B.B. King Blues Club on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Darlene Love, Gary U.S. Bonds and Charlie Thomas joined King onstage to honor their friend and fellow R&B aficionado with an assortment of hits including “Stand by Me” and “There Goes My Baby.”

The evening began with Gary U.S. Bonds performing hits, “Quarter to Three” and “School is Out.” Audience members met the soulful crooner with enthusiastic praise and the looks of nostalgic bliss on respective faces.

Darlene Love graced the stage next with a mixture of hit songs and a music history lesson to boot. Love explained that she met Phil Spector who produced most of her hit material during the 1960s, like “He’s A Rebel,” and “(Today I Met) The Boy I’m Going to Marry.” However, both hit songs were credited to the Crystals. Love’s powerful, soulful vocals resonated through the building as the crowd sang along to her beloved R&B standards.

Former Drifter, Charlie Thomas followed; recounting memories and music of his time with the legendary R&B act as well as those of his friend and fellow Drifter, King. Thomas crooned hits; “On Broadway,” “Up on the Roof” and “Under the Boardwalk.” He then brought Bonds and Love back to the stage; followed by a birthday cake and the guest of honor. The crowd met King with a standing ovation and a collective roar of appreciative applause.

A gracious King thanked his friends and broke into “Save the Last Dance,” and “There Goes My Baby” followed. King performed his hit material; even his ’70s era, disco tunes, which he joked about saying the record label execs forced him to do.

The evening ended with King’s biggest hit, “Stand by Me,” for which his friends joined him onstage as they bid the crowd goodnight. It was a magnificent evening full of timeless music and dignified showmanship. Hopefully, King’s 71st birthday celebration is every bit as magical.