Ben E King - Spanish Harlem

[ferdinando1945]

terrific ! a great hit of 1961 when I was 16.

Santiago, Chile

Thx to John1948OneD

[rosebuddy47]

great voice with mega talent!!!!!!!!!!!!

[philipyepez]

its actually written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller not Phil Spector, next time do some research before giving credit to the wrong person

[John1948OneD]

@philipyepez We all make mistakes. From the rest of his comment I would say he did a lot of research and then made a mistake when typing the comment. But thanks for correcting it.

[Finkanslig]

@John1948OneD Please read my MON, 27 FEB 2012 Reply to philipyepez. :I:

Finkänslig

[Finkanslig]

@philipyepez You are correct in one respect: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller 'produced' Spanish Harlem.

But BMI Work #1393049 clearly shows that only Jerry Leiber & Philip Spector are given Songwriter/Composer credit for Spanish Harlem. (It’s true that Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are very often a pair for compositions.)

I do strive for complete accuracy; I’m after that always. :I:

Finkänslig

[butch19571]

This song/version is TREMENDOUS...how in the world this did not get the fame and attention MORE than Stand By Me...traded my '55v Pontiac convert for a '68 olds conver...a MISTAKE...great song, thanks for posting.......Snake

[TheHitDetector]

What a superb masterpiece!...The rich quality tones in this artists voice....the beautiful music the whole thing is just magic......and after all those years its still sparkling fresh and simply fantastic!

[Uncle65788]

@TheHitDetector Thats right! Its a great song.

[Uncle65788]

With eyes as black as coal that looks down into my soul and then starts a fire there and I have to beg your pardon(Truly that is really very very good)I am going to pick that Rose and watch her as she grows in my garden there is a rose in Spanish Harlem

[Uncle65788]

This is really a very good song.It is great to listen to while following the lyric.It has a soul. It really is great even inspirational.

[LANELLE559]

I REMEMBER MY HUSBAND PLAYED THIS ALL THE TIME

[Finkanslig]

Jerry Leiber & Phil Spector wrote Spanish Harlem. Released on the last day of 1960. Got up to #10, #15 R&B chart.

Romeo Penque does the nice touch of sax - a soprano sax (1:50). Out of favor for decades (think Sidney Bechet), the soprano began making a comeback about this time through Lucky Thompson, Steve Lacy, John Coltrane, and others.

Timeless tune. Thank you for this excellent post. :I:

- Finkänslig

[John1948OneD]

@Finkanslig Thanks for that great info! 

[Finkanslig]

@John1948OneD You are most welcome! :I:

Finkänslig

[sidDkid87]

Wow! This song epitomizes the expression: "They just don't make 'em like this anymore" . . .

Sad, but true. What a great tune!

[scorpionrebelqueen01]

Lovely, soulful yet melodious. Just what a weary heart needs to feel re energised.

[karloalberti]

Even thou my mother did not speak English, she love this song so much, back in Lima Peru. today will be 3 years that my rose my mother left this earth, to be in the garden of God.

[69ssrszl1]

An absoultly beautiful song,by a very gifted singer.

[69ssrszl1]

Also very sensual for dancing.

[WatsonTzen]

Sounds like a Christmas song, although there's no Christmas, gifts, presents, Santa Claus, Chrsitmas tree, or snow in the song...

[nino45427]

this song is actualy a metaphor for a person right?

[John1948OneD]

@nino45427 Yes, the rose is a girl.

[Jokemose]

This song is one of my all time favourites!!

[Wellch]

an harlem can also be a brothel.

[amazingdany]

Is East Harlem nowadays a good neighborhood to live in?

[cheapspellcheque]

You can't beat talent, great song, even better singer.

[passion2221]

awesome voice!!!!!!!!!!!

[cippy2k]

a blue plastic 45..techie question..I have many colored plastics red for example yet black had the best fidelity..the beatles colored discs were ok but the black vinyl just sounded fuller..know why?

[waxheadglossy]

@cippy2k I've heard that same argument but they seem to think there's no difference

[AbuAvital]

@cippy2k I too found it interesting when diferent coloured disks came out. Subsequently working in the plastics industry I noticed that the black die was the most expensive, so was it "trendy" or a money saving move?

[Rustina61]

The music comes together to form a masterpiece. Timeless.......

[phylliswaterfield]

This reminds me of when i was a very small kid and they played this music at intermission,wow 4of us in a maze of ice cream and honeycomb yeah.......it sounds like heaven........

[jimmyratz]

This is one of my alltime favorite songs...It's so romantic that I want to visit Spanish Harlem.

[Evemauy]

Sounds so mellow.

[69ssrszl1]

What a beautiful song, then and even more now.

[lolkarollol]

ZIUTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[signpo890]

The sax solo just makes you melt.....

[Juliaflo]

I believe that Hal David and Burt Bacharach (sp) are the only suriving 'ampersand', now that Nick Ashford and Jerry Leiber have passed through heaven's doors.

(This is subject to corrigenda by anyone. Here's hoping you have a safe Labor Day.)

[John1948OneD]

There is a rose in Spanish Harlem A red rose up in Spanish Harlem It is a special one, it's never seen the sun It only comes out when the moon is on the run And all the stars are gleaming It's growing in the street right up through the concrete But soft and sweet and dreamin'

[bballfanism]

Wonderful song! What does Ben E. King keep saying is in Spanish Harlem? It sounds like he's saying "there's a rose in Spanish Harlem."

[bballfanism]

Wonderful song! Thanks for posting it.

[eyegaf]

Love Potion # 9, The Clovers, Stand By Me, Poison Ivy, Down in Mexico, Jailhouse Rock and Hundreds of Classics we're writtne by Leiber and Stoller. The preminent song writing duo In Rock and Roll History.

[kittyprydekissme]

I miss Jerry Leiber already.

[daveysan]

RIP Jerry Leiber. Can't be that's all there is.

[zbestwun2001]

RIP Jerry Lieber, co-writer of this song "Hound Dog" and many more

Stoller and Lieber... two of the founders of Rock and Roll.

RIP

[Suprkit]

@zbestwun2001 AMEN to that!

[misD24]

now you all know i just had to play this one.

[forcewielder2000]

Oh what a voice Ben E. King has! Why can't the musicians of today be this good?

[sphinxrising58]

Music has nothing at all to do with race, just enjoy the music which crosses all boundries.



[pattybaybie105]

im from Spanish harlem <3

[SweaBea107]

So beautiful.Thanks from Sweden.

[itdoesntmatter56789]

Such a soulful song! Born a white guy in the midsection I could only imagine how hot and passionate one must have been to truly live what this song spoke of. Beautiful!! B. E. K. !! I can only imagine...take me back please!! A tip of the hat to you John!

[John1948OneD]

@itdoesntmatter56789 I too was born a white guy in the midsection and I don't get what you're saying. But I'm glad you're enjoying the music.

[itdoesntmatter56789]

@John1948OneD What I was trying to say is that the passion both of heart and mind that was expressed in songs such as Spanish Harlem degenerated to the talking about ghetto crime and gun slinging from the black singers of today.

[John1948OneD]

@itdoesntmatter56789 OK I understand now. And it is sad.

[Robcatist]

@itdoesntmatter56789 I agree 100%, why arent there any great soul singers anymore?

[TheButtascotchbro1]

@Robcatist there are a few..not many but a few..prince being one..

[itdoesntmatter56789]

Ben E King! Like many persons of color from the 50's and 60's was just so incredibly gifted. Songs such as this were so beautiful that one begs to ask what has become of the passion that we all have but has become all but disappeared!

[maggie235]

Creating my wedding cd song #2 for sure.

[libraladyish]

i see there are six people who don't like this song , there are obviously some morons around who don't recognise beautiful music when they hear it then , sad ssoooo sad

[1943capitanmichi]

questa era musica che ti faceva rabrividire.

[libraladyish]

love this song sooo much

[Rustina61]

The perfect song for a hot summer night. God bless you for posting this beautiful song.

[MCoelloF]

Preciosa canción !! Gracias !! (From Spain) ;)

[rosekraut]

this was one of my very favorites when I was about thirteen years old. Still like it.

[AlexA0049]

i totallly love this song!!! although i'm not from that era, my dad is and he taught me how to appreciate good quality music and this it!! the lyrics and the music were harmonously done to perfection!!!! in spanish and english they are perfectly beautiful!! i just love this melody and can't stop hearing it!! i also love that voice!! to bad our era doesn't have composers and singers like this anymore!! Thanks for posting such beautiful music!! even my kids like it!!

[09bnunez]

being hispanic this song means a lot toall spanish people who live in spanish harlem...

[John1948OneD]

@09bnunez Thanks for the comment. If the neighborhood is even half as beautiful as the song it's a place I'd like to visit some time.

[Wrapscallionn]

@John1948OneD  Definately.

[LuRKzYzzz]

@John1948OneD it's drug infested... I live tere :(

[KliptikaLBlooD]

Song is GREAT!! ahh i love music of this era.

[montecarlo0]

Spanish Harlem, one of my favorites hang out when im in NYC.

[1977delboy]

Standing ovations!!!

[raymoles]

I was told that this song was written by Monty Rock III. Any truth to this?

[raincoatriver]

@raymoles This song was written by Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector.

[acadia1106]

yup have to agree. this was the golden age of R & B.

[acadia1106]

yup have to agree.

[munitis27]

5 desgracias... temazo bellisimo

[magic54904]

So reminds me of my father n childhood

[raginroadrunner]

Why aren't there black singers like this today???...this is and always has been a masterpiece..sheer brillance...

[Jamerican58]

@raginroadrunner Nonsense! There's Jaheim and R Kelly. They're voices harken back to those thrilling days of yesteryear. If you look hard enough there is always continuity to be found.

[cavaskel]

real classic stuff

[slgw2770]

Always reminds me of being a little girl dancing with my daddy on a saturday night

[HazelEyedSoul495946]

I don't know if this is just my computer but the sound is so awful! It's really quiet and static.

[glaeken14]

fantastic...

[McLm010]

totally awesome..........

[Psalms11817]

Bring back beautiful memories. Thanks. 

[09bnunez]

ONE OF HIS BIGGEST HITS .....STILL GOING STRONG GOD BLESS U ...MR.KING

[peeking09]

Such a beautiful song

[dercarsus]

Love his voice

[SvMarkie]

How Bizarre?

[nomamao]

I was born there and my pop grew up there. It's a different place now, or so I hear. I haven't been back in a long time.

[Augustoimperator]

great song and great music.

[trackieben]

Isn't it is amazing that this record, which is absolutely superb, nver made the top 20 here in the UK!!!!????

[CrisVangel]

made my day! 5 people who voted no like have no taste whatsoever!! lol.

[mikemcpeak714]

Thanks!!! I'm out on the porch,enjoying the southern sun with my dogs,drinking cold beer and being VERY happy.....this song just fits!!! Thanks for posting!

[RockyWhyNott]

I've loved this song since I can remember...!

XX

[hankazaria]

I first heard this song on the soundtrack tape for the movie "SALSA", which came out in 1989.

[bimshire1]

For those who don't know; Spanish Harlem began at 5thAv and 110st. as I recall and went north and east until 120th st.near Cooper JHS., then east over toward Lexington. At 116st and Lenox and going east, it was a mixed neighborhood, of blacks and hispanics. This was1945 thru 1952 after I left for Korea.

[signjoey]

John, your clips are great...thanks!

[kurtisstarkie1]

This version is the best by far!

I have recently recorded an acoustic version of my own on a webcam, please have a listen. Thanks!

[Justpooinabush]

5 people who disliked this.. shame on you

[anandp1]

music. period.

[abrilesful]

Qué bonita!

Gracias!

[OREN2465]

Thank you for posting

Always a pleasure to hear this version with the dreamy performance of Ben E King

[CarnageNY]

Aww man..Loving this Spanish harlem joint...Gotta sample it

[DetroitLove4U]

Music for the best riding "fins" automobiles - Cadduy 62 Series 1950's Detroit Classics!!

[varigdc10]

@DetroitLove4U 1965 Pontiac Bonneville, all power stuff, dual pipes, baby blue 389, 320 ponies, fender skirts, drove it up and down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, love your motor city, good old days at St Claire Shores, love this song, a classic.

[57highland]

There are some songs that are beautiful, and there are some songs that are both beautiful and timeless ... like this one. This song can never be old, and 50 years have not put even a small dent in its perfection.

[50bofish]

John do you have Gypsy Woman and Imagination by Ben E King...pls post if you do and notify me. Thanks. djsista@gmail.com

[TheFunnyguy383]

we played this song at my high school band

[brooklynbrit]

Miss me girl Diva,R.I.P darlin.

[9mrmac]

I first heard this song as a child in the early 1960's. It was often played in our local cinema before the start of a film. Loved it then. Love it even more now.

[benny266698]

eyes black as coal voice like velvet

[thegmantube]

This man could sing, whether with the Drifters or on his own. What a voice.

[thegmantube]

Loved this one. Also loved him with the Drifters. This is a classic.

[Tman230948]

that was singing back in the days

[whatanightmare1]

Such a gorgeous voice, he had...love this song!

[HoboGus]

The 4 people who rated this "dislike" don't know where Spanish Harlem is. Love the horn solo @1:52+

[soundof90s]

This video is posted on Facebook page called "Golden Tunes - Sound of Oldies", so if you have fb account and some time, check it, i guess you will like it :) Page is for everyone who like like warm cozy sound of evergreen music.

[dersimerdal]

BRILLIANT SONG

[Augustoimperator]

ben e king fantastic.

[pavemsn1]

paolo nutini made a great cover of this song on paleo festival !!!!

[1DAWWWG]

The whole song sounds like a dream

[highlife899]

@1DAWWWG Perfect way to describe this song

[Augustoimperator]

great song a great  music

[joc4000]

i remember sitting on my daddy's lap as he popped a cassette in the radio

he wud pick me up and twirl me around

memories

thanks dad for giving me a taste for such beautiful music

[Voyagersguidebook]

There is 'arroz' in Spanish Harlem...hehehe...I love this song. :D

[IanHunedoara8]

@Voyagersguidebook Arroz! love it! LLOOOL

[burkewhb]

I think this is one of the best songs of the rock and roll era.

Ben E King had great talent right up there with Buddy Holly

and Elvis.

[Asgairsson]

Happy birthday, Sir!

[vaibaker]

Love this version

[prettycountrygirl2]

Oh gosh, i love this song.

[Cwifty]

Great song from a great music era.

[Pentax645]

I've always loved this song.

[tapasitos]

Fabulous Phil Spector production

[jeffsor47]

@tapasitos Leiber and Stoller take most of the credit on this one "Spanish Harlem'

[ninhamgirl]

Love this song for its soundtrack.  Nobody can sing it like Ben E. King.

[fonzifan]

Can somebody post the song "That's When It Hurts"

[John1948OneD]

@fonzifan I'll put it up this evening unless YT finds copyright problems with it. Search my uploads for it tomorrow.

[wasaranger]

Thank you for posten great from Germany

[doctorhill11]

Great music!

[o0sunsi0o]

I love this song just one of the great ones sung by, Ben E. King, what a fantastic voice he has.

[east215]

Spanish Harlem is gentrified.

[45donaldo]

ningun comentario en espanol aparece en este inolvidable numero musical.

[CurlyHairChris]

Beautiful clear sound. Thank you for this. Lovely song, too.

[mikemikeyf]

Monster Hit in NYC, just stupendous.

[John1948OneD]

@mikemikeyf I'll bet the girls in spanish Harlem especially liked it. We hear a lot about black Harlem but almost nothing about spanish Harlem. Too bad.

[CrisVangel]

@John1948OneD what? I live in the bronx NY and i've never heard anyone ever use the expression "black harlem".. Spanish Harlem on the other hand I hear it all the time.

[appkw]

For me personally, I regard this song as just about the finest of them all in 1961. It was so different. Nothing like Elvis, Rydell, Vee and so on. Sure was a great year for music.

[warishone]

does anyone have the uptempo version of souvenir of mexico. it was b side to this single

[fixdeluxe1]

There is a rose in spanish harlem......

A red rose up in spanish harlem......

it is a special one,it's never seen the sun,it only comes up when the moon is up

[countrysinger1952]

Beautiful song!*****

[CrisVangel]

Will always be a beautiful song, love it dearly!!

[pablogeebee1]

Aaaah,this song soooo makes me think of my grandad,when he did jobs around the house,which was always he played stuff like this and he could sing well too! Aaah,shit do I miss him soooooooo much!!!!!!!!!

[USanimeMatthew]

Now where could I get this song? This version too.

[kismet818]

@USanimeMatthew You could probably download it from Limewire.com and if you can't, I'd be glad to send you a CD with this song on it.

[payitforwardeddie]

@kismet818

Or you could get RealPlayer and download from'ere. Innit.

[kismet818]

@USanimeMatthew You could probably download it on Limewire.com but be prepared to download alot of files because there are other versions of it but like you, this is the version I like. I downloaded at least a dozen files and just when I was about to give up since I couldn't get this version, I opened the last file and it just happened to be this version. If you can't get it off of Limewire, let me know and I'll send you a CD with this version on it. Good luck.

[DingoMonkey]

Am the only one that thinks he looks a lot like Ernie Hudson in a lot of these pictures? Oh yeah, and....AWESOME SONG!

[Rexchrung]

Yes baby! Thank you uploading this song. Spanish harlem is a sweet sweet song.

I really thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[lolasmith37]

super song

[soul4luvrs]

Another classic upload.

Thanks

[qb62ndmaintbn1967]

This is the recording that should be the Ben E King standard. It is far and away better than than what i perceive to be the "accepted" choice "Stand by Me". But I can easily see which one of the two can be performed most readily on stage with the barest of accompany. Still, "Spanish Harlem" by Mr. King is a great recording and my favorite of all his, including the ones where he fronted for the Drifters. Thank you for the posting and the forum.

[CheckMate657879]

This was my sho'nuf jam in the 6th grade.

[jangster39]

love dis song!

[laylay7200]

im 17 and i love dis song

[80sHitz]

You have to love classic oldies.