Ben E. King – Spanish Harlem

About the Song

Ben E. King’s “Spanish Harlem” is a beautiful and evocative ballad that paints a vivid picture of life in the Spanish-speaking community of New York City. The song was released in 1960 and quickly became a hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Los Lobos.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a young man who is pining for his lost love. He sings about how he used to walk the streets of Spanish Harlem with her, and how he can still see her face in the windows of the buildings. He also sings about how he misses her cooking and her laughter.

The song’s music is slow and soulful, with a strong Latin flavor. The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, and the song’s chorus is both catchy and memorable.

“Spanish Harlem” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song about love, loss, and longing, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

Some additional information about the song:

• The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector.
• It was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
• The song was recorded in New York City.
• The song was released on the Atco label.
• The song was the B-side of the single “First Taste of Love.”
• The song was featured in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing.”

Here are some interesting facts about the song:

• The song was originally written for the Drifters, but Ben E. King left the group before they could record it.
• The song’s opening guitar riff was inspired by the song “La Bamba.”
• The song’s lyrics were inspired by Leiber and Spector’s own experiences growing up in Spanish Harlem.
• The song was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Los Lobos.

“Spanish Harlem” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song about love, loss, and longing, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

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Lyrics: Spanish Harlem

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’
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
A red rose up in Spanish Harlem
With eyes as black as coal that look down in my soul
And starts a fire there and then I lose control I have to beg your pardon
I’m going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden
I’m going to pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem
There is a rose in Spanish Harlem