Spanish Harlem

'Spanish Harlem' (1960) was Ben E. King's first solo hit after leaving The Drifters. Co-written by songwriting legends Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector, the song is a dreamy ode to love ('There's a rose in Spanish Harlem') set against the backdrop of New York City. Its Latin-flavored arrangement (nylon-string guitar, marimba, strings) gives it a gentle, romantic feel. The record climbed into the Top 10 and was later popularized again by Aretha Franklin’s hit 1971 cover (her version reached #2). 'Spanish Harlem' has been praised for its lush production and has earned a spot on Rolling Stone's list of greatest songs.