Ben E. King “First Taste of Love“

“First Taste of Love“ written by Doc Pomus & Phil Spector was Ben E. King’s first solo recording after he left the Drifters. Recorded on October 27, 1960, it was released that December by Atco Records. It was initially intended to be the hit side, but was quickly surpassed by the B side, “Spanish Harlem“ which achieved number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “First Taste of Love“ only reached number 53. The recording session was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. “First Taste of Love“ was later included in the album, Don’t Play That Song! released in 1962.