Story highlights Singer Ben E. King, famous for "Stand By Me," has died at 76

Song was a top 10 hit in the U.S. in 1961 and again in 1986

(CNN) Soul singer Ben E. King, whose classic hit "Stand By Me" became an enduring affirmation of love and devotion for generations of listeners, has died.

King died Thursday in New Jersey, his booking agent, Randy Irwin, told CNN. He was 76.

Born Benjamin Earl Nelson in North Carolina, King moved to New York as a boy and first found success as an early member of the Drifters, the doo-wop group famous for such hits as "Save the Last Dance for Me."

But he is remembered most for "Stand By Me," inspired by a gospel song, which he recorded on his own. Buoyed by King's elegant baritone, the tune was a top 10 hit in the U.S. in 1961 and returned to the charts 25 years later when it was prominently featured in "Stand By Me," Rob Reiner's 1986 coming-of-age movie about four adolescent boys.