The Drifters

It's hard to adequately detail the influence of a group who had their first hit with “Money Honey” in 1953 and have had at least 60 different singers - most famously Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, Charlie Thomas, and Bill Pinkney - during their epic musical journey. They were originally assembled by Atlantic Records boss Ahmet Ertegun with McPhatter as front man on early hits like “Such A Night,” “Bip Bam,” and a spirited cover of holiday classic “White Christmas.” McPhatter’s departure triggered a constant series of personnel changes, but their popularity endured as they set a benchmark for doo-wop harmony singing under the direction of George Treadwell. The group's richest period was the 1960s when, fronted by Ben E. King, they recorded their biggest hits “There Goes My Baby” and “Save The Last Dance For Me” and then, with Rudy Lewis on lead vocals, “Up On The Roof” and “On Broadway.” When Lewis died of a suspected heroin overdose on May 21, 1964 - the night before a recording session - Johnny Moore stepped in to sing their best-loved hit “Under The Boardwalk.” Their career declined amid legal battles for the right to the Drifters name – which had been an ongoing issue since the departure of McPhatter - but a version of the group continues to perform and keep the legend alive. The band remains best known for their hit singles, but their albums – including Rockin’ & Driftin’ (1958), Save the Last Dance for Me (1962), and The Drifters’ Golden Hits (1968) – have remained favorites among doo wop, soul, and Rock fans alike. The Drifters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Original lead vocalist Clyde McPhatter died on June 13, 1972. Johnny Moore died on December 31, 1998. Ben E. King – who had the most successful post-Drifters career – passed away on April 30, 2015. Charlie Thomas – who sang lead on hits such as “Sweets for My Sweet” and “When My Little Girl Is Smiling” – died on January 31, 2023.