The greatest soul of all time

Ben E King on tour with The Great American Soulbook

SOUL legend Ben E King is touring The Great American Soul Book to The Hexagon, Reading, and The Anvil, Basingstoke, next month, celebrating all the songs and artists that make people love soul music.

He said: “I'm more excited about this tour than any other one I've done in the UK as we are going to some towns I've never been to before. It's a great way to see the UK.”

King will be performing with American rhythm and blues and rock and roll singer and songwriter Gary US Bonds. Bonds will host the show as well as belting out his own hits such as New Orleans and Quarter To Three, and performing classics by other artists.

King said: “I love the idea of a show which celebrates some of the greatest soul songs of all time. As well as my own songs, in this show I get to sing other peoples hits too.

“When my buddy GUS asked me, I jumped at the chance to come to the UK.”

The show will include hits by Al Green, Arthur Conley, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding and King's former band, The Drifters - including Midnight Train to Georgia, Sweet Soul Music, Let's Stay Together, When a Man Loves a Woman, and Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.

Although he hasn't toured for several years now, the excitement is still building in the great soul man.

King said: “It's been too long but I can't wait to get started as the UK has some of the most passionate soul fans in the world.”

Ben E King is one of the defining soul singers of all-time. From his early days as the lead singerof The Drifters, through to his solo work, Ben E King has provided the musical soundtrack to literally millions of people throughout the world. His many hits include Spanish Harlem, Save The Last Dance For Me, Don't Play That Song, I Who Have Nothing and Don't Take Your Love From Me.

The pair will be performing at The Hexagon, on February 22, for details visit www.readingarts.com

and The Anvil, on February 18, visit www.anvilarts.org.uk