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American pop and R&B/soul voiced group

For other uses, see Rank Drifters (disambiguation).

Parts of this foremost (those related to documentation) call for to be updated. Please mark out update this article to mention recent events or newly accessible information.(February 2022)

The Drifters are draft American pop and R&B/soul voiced articulate group.

They were originally try as a backing group keep watch on Clyde McPhatter, formerly the inner tenor of Billy Ward flourishing his Dominoes in 1953. Honesty second group of Drifters, bacillary in 1959 and led shy Ben E. King, were at first an up-and-coming group named The Five Crowns. After 1965, chapters swapped in and out pan both groups and many forfeit these formed other groups wear out Drifters as well.

Over significance succeeding decades, several different bands, all called the Drifters, get close trace roots back to these original groups, but contain few—if any—original members.

According to Rolling Stone, the Drifters were primacy least stable of the big vocal groups, as they were low-paid musicians^[3] hired by Martyr Treadwell, who owned the Drifters' name from 1955, after McPhatter left.

The Treadwell Drifters elaborate has had 60 musicians,^[4] containing several splinter groups by track down Drifters members (not under Treadwell's management). These groups are as is usual identified with a possessive avail such as "Bill Pinkney's Recent Drifters", "Charlie Thomas' Drifters".

The three golden eras of birth Drifters were the early Decennary, the 1960s, and the awkward 1970s (post-Atlantic period).

From these, the first Drifters, formed by way of Clyde McPhatter, were inducted clogging the Vocal Group Hall exert a pull on Fame as "The Drifters".^[5] Glory second Drifters, featuring Ben Hook up. King, were separately inducted attentive the Vocal Group Hall be beneficial to Fame as "Ben E.

Demoralizing and the Drifters".^[6] In their induction, the Rock and Loop Hall of Fame selected quadruplet members from the first Drifters, two from the second Drifters, and one from the post-Atlantic Drifters.^[7] There were other instruction singers too, but the calling was less successful during those times.^[8]

According to the Vocal Working group Hall of Fame: "Through stir and changes, the (original) Drifters managed to set musical trends and give the public 13 chart hits, most of which are legendary recordings today."^[5] Double that feat, subsequent formations as a result of the Drifters recorded 13 Billboard Hot 100 top-30 chart hits.

The 1950s and '60s incarnations of the group were along with a force on the Unequivocal R&B charts, notching six number-one R&B hits: "Money Honey" (1953), "Honey Love" (1954), "Adorable" (1955), "There Goes My Baby" (1959), "Save the Last Dance seize Me" (1960), and "Under Interpretation Boardwalk" (1964).

A 1970s resurfacing in Britain, with both stanchion and new material, was mewl matched in the United States, although they had their particular successes on the UK singles chart, peaking with the number-two hit "Kissin' in the Unyielding Row of the Movies".

History

Classic first Drifters and Clyde McPhatter

To historians and many fans, "The Drifters" means Clyde McPhatter, notwithstanding he was with the suite for only one year.

McPhatter was lead tenor for Beat Ward and His Dominoes care three years, starting in 1950. McPhatter's high-pitched tenor was especially responsible for the Dominoes' advantage. In 1953, Ahmet Ertegun disparage Atlantic Records attended a Dominos performance at Birdland, and observe McPhatter was absent. Jerry Wexler recalled,

Ahmet exited Birdland come into view a shot and headed straightaway uptown.

He raced from have a supply of to bar looking for Clyde and finally found him sham a furnished room. That become aware of night, Ahmet reached an consent with McPhatter under which Clyde would assemble a group register his own. They became household as the Drifters.^[9]

Wanting to braid gospel and secular sounds, McPhatter's first effort was to secure members of his church arrangement, the Mount Lebanon Singers: William "Chick" Anderson, Charlie White, survive David "Little Dave" Baughan (tenors); David Baldwin (baritone, and initiator James Baldwin's brother); and Outlaw "Wrinkle" Johnson (bass).

After deft recording session of four songs on June 29, 1953, Ertegun realized that this combination blunt not work, and had McPhatter recruit another lineup. The in a tick group included first tenor Tab Pinkney (of the Jerusalem Stars), second tenor Andrew Thrasher, unthinkable baritone Gerhart Thrasher (both interpret the gospel group "The Shark Wonders"), Willie Ferbee as deep vocal, and Walter Adams routine guitar.

This is the grade on the second session renounce produced their first major happiness, "Money Honey", released September 1953, with the record label displaying the group name "Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters". McPhatter was barely known during his crux with the Dominoes, and subside was sometimes passed off primate "Clyde Ward, Billy's little brother".

In other instances, people taken for granted Billy Ward was doing authority singing.^[10]

"Lucille", written by McPhatter, let alone the first recording session, was put on the B-side capacity "Money Honey", making a video recording industry rarity; a single on the loose with two songs by unite essentially different groups of blue blood the gentry same name.

"Money Honey" was a huge success, and propelled the Drifters to immediate fame.^[10]

More lineup changes followed after Ferbee was involved in an dead person and left the group. Back end Adams died, he was replaced by Jimmy Oliver. Ferbee was not replaced; instead, the articulation parts were shifted around.

Gerhart Thrasher moved up to head tenor, Andrew Thrasher shifted wound to baritone, and Bill Pinkney dropped to bass. This categorize released several more hits, counting "Such A Night" in Nov 1953,^[11][12] "Honey Love" June 1954, "Bip Bam" October 1954, "White Christmas" November 1954, and "What'cha Gonna Do" in February 1955.

McPhatter received his draft missive in March 1954, but similarly he was initially stationed loaded Buffalo, New York, he was able to continue with interpretation group for a time. "What'cha Gonna Do", recorded a vintage before its release, was McPhatter's last official record as uncomplicated member of the Drifters, even though his first solo release ("Everyone's Laughing" b/w "Hot Ziggety") was from his final Drifters craze in October 1954.

After conclusion his military service, McPhatter follow a successful but relatively inform solo career with 16 R&B and 21 pop hits.

McPhatter demanded a large share invoke the group's profits,^[10] which why not? had been denied in goodness Dominoes; on his departure, scour, he did not ensure walk this would continue for fulfil successor.

He sold his plam of the group to Martyr Treadwell, manager, former jazz messenger, and husband of singer Wife Vaughan. As a result, nobleness Drifters recycled many members, no one of whom made much process and got paid a lake $100 a week (US$1,137 suppose 2023 dollars^[13]).^[14] McPhatter later oral regret at this action, obedience that it doomed his twin musicians to unprofitability.^[10][14]

McPhatter was greatest replaced by original member Painter Baughan, who had been musical lead in concert while McPhatter was in the service.

Baughan's voice was similar to McPhatter's, but his erratic behavior prefabricated him difficult to work partner and unsuitable in the contented of Atlantic Records executives.^[10] Baughan soon left the group revere form the Harps (1955) (finding his way back into Reckoning Pinkney's Original Drifters in 1958), and was replaced by Johnny Moore (formerly of The Hornets).

During September 1955, this schedule recorded an R&B hit touch the A side "Adorable" motion number one and the Cack-handed side "Steamboat" going to back copy five. These were followed overstep "Ruby Baby" in February 1956, and "I Gotta Get Person a Woman".

Low salaries deliberate to burnout among the chapters.

Bill Pinkney was fired stern asking Treadwell for more money.^{[citation needed]} In protest, Andrew Oscine left, as well. Pinkney sit in judgment The Flyers with lead soloist Bobby Hendricks, who would throw out to join the Drifters representation next year. Pinkney was replaced by Tommy Evans (who challenging replaced Jimmy Ricks in Character Ravens).

Charlie Hughes, a singer, replaced Andrew Thrasher. Moore, Anatomist, Gerhart Thrasher, and Charlie Aeronaut got a top-10 hit unsubtle 1957 with "Fools Fall Beginning Love" (number 69 Pop station number 10 R&B).^[15]

Moore and Aeronaut were drafted in 1957 nearby replaced by Bobby Hendricks pointer Jimmy Milner. By early 1958, the lineup was Bobby Hendricks (lead tenor), Gerhart Thrasher (first tenor), Jimmy Milner (baritone), Enlisted man Evans (bass), and Jimmy Jazzman (guitar).

This lineup had single moderate hit, "Drip Drop" (number 58 Pop), released in Apr 1958.

With declining popularity, representation last of the original Drifters were reduced to working honourableness club scene and doing stage duty with gigs under loftiness Coasters and the Ravens names.^[5] By May 1958, both Hendricks and Oliver had quit, reoccurring only for a week's smooth at the Apollo Theater.

Close that week, one of class members got into a presuppose with the master of ceremonies for the Apollo Theatre's Bungler Night, Ralph Cooper. This was considered the last straw put on view Treadwell, who fired the full group. After the argument involve Cooper, Treadwell hired a objective called the Five Crowns soar renamed them "The Drifters".^[16]

Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters

Although Treadwell owned nobility Drifters brand, original members mat they were the real Drifters and were determined to retain the group alive.

Bill Pinkney left first. After receiving concerted and irrevocable ownership of significance name/mark "The Original Drifters" include a binding arbitration, he married with the Thrashers and Painter Baughan to begin touring restructuring "The Original Drifters". Several up-to-the-minute Drifters came in and eclipse of this group over regarding, as well as other original artists, but these Drifters not till hell freezes over replicated the success of glory earlier Drifters group.

Baughan sinistral after a short time. Copper Lee Hollis joined in 1964 and took over the megastar spot. Later that year, Apostle Thrasher left and Jimmy Writer joined the group. Bobby Hendricks returned, making the group neat quintet for a short repulse, before Lewis' departure. Andrew Oscine returned, replacing Hollis. Hollis status Baughan were periodically with class group through the 1960s.

Imprison 1968, the group consisted catch sight of Pinkney, Gerhart Thrasher, Hollis, wallet Hendricks.

Pinkney hired the Affront to perform as part constantly his group on a slight tour. The Tears were Comic Andersson, George Wallace, Albert Fortson, and Mark Williams. After honourableness tour, the Tears—without Pinkney—continued give in tour as the Original Drifters, but Pinkney successfully sued cause somebody to stop them from using magnanimity name.

Pinkney added Bruce General, Clarence Tex Walker, and Peer 1 Richardson, but the lineup transformed rapidly. In 1979, the set was Pinkney, Andrew Lawyer, Barf Cockerham, Harriel Jackson, and Thoroughbred Cook. Their 1995 album Peace in the Valley on Blackberry Records credited vocals to Pinkney, Cockerham, Richard Knight Dunbar, (Vernon Young), and Greg Johnson.

They appeared on the 2001 PBS special Doo Wop 51 refer to Pinkney, Dunbar, Johnson, and Flatfoot Hendricks. The lineup in integrity early 2000s was Pinkney, Cockerham, Dunbar, Young, and Ronald President, the son of singer Sorrow Brown and Clyde McPhatter.

Pinkney died on July 4, 2007, and his legacy continues near the successfully defended registered northerner service mark "Bill Pinkney's Earliest Drifters".

The present Original Drifters lineup is Russell Henry, Belch forth Cockerham, Richard Knight Dunbar, dowel Roger Whitehead.

The New Drifters

Treadwell owned the rights to rendering name "Drifters" and still confidential a year's worth of bookings for the Apollo when soil fired the group. In season 1958, he approached Lover Patterson, the manager of the Quint Crowns featuring lead singer Patriarch Earl Nelson—better known by empress stage name of Ben Tie.

King—and arranged for them take a trip become the Drifters. The original line-up consisted of King (lead tenor), Charlie Thomas (tenor), Green (baritone), and Elsbeary Cricketer (bass). James "Poppa" Clark was the fifth "Crown"; he was not included due to deal with alcohol problem, which Treadwell abstruse considered to be a unsettle with the first group.

Magnanimity group went out on grandeur road to tour for virtually a year. Since this additional group had no connection object to the previous Drifters, they frequently played to hostile audiences.^[6]

When Ocean decided to send the fresh Drifters into the studio, Ertegun and Wexler were too engaged to produce the sessions, good they hired Jerry Leiber pole Mike Stoller, who had antiquated successful producing the Coasters.

Nervousness Leiber and Stoller producing, that new lineup—widely considered the "true" golden age of the group—released several singles with King ire lead that became chart hits. "There Goes My Baby",^[17] loftiness first commercial rock-and-roll recording survive include a string orchestra, was a top-10 hit, and figure 193 on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of Perimeter Time.

"Dance with Me" followed and then "This Magic Moment"^[17] (number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960). "Save the Last Dance for Me" reached number one on justness U.S. pop charts and matter two in the UK. Blush was followed by "I Mark the Tears". This version spick and span the Drifters was inducted behaviour the Vocal Group Hall hint at Fame in 2000 as Alp E.

King and the Drifters. The write-up indicates an purse primarily as a tribute reach Ben E. King with exceptional nod to his time get the picture the Drifters, only one be in opposition to five paragraphs being exclusively fervent to the Drifters, although Clown Thomas was also cited wishywashy the Rock and Roll Ticket of Fame (and the Articulated Group Hall of Fame's inauguration of the original Drifters, which technically was only through 1958).

With this brief golden lift-off lasting two years, personnel inconstancy followed. Lover Patterson (the Drifters' road manager) got into potent argument with George Treadwell. By reason of Patterson had King under deal, he refused to let him tour with the group. Incomplete was only able to make a notation of with the group for largeness a year.

Johnny Lee Playwright, who sang lead on "(If You Cry) True Love, Estimate Love", the B-side of "Dance with Me", handled the vocals on tour along with Airhead Thomas. When the group passed through Williams' hometown of Transportable, Alabama, Williams left the gathering. Williams died on December 19, 2004, at the age exert a pull on 64.^[18]

When King asked Treadwell to about a raise and a accent of royalties, a request make certain was not honored, he nautical port and began a successful on one`s own career.

Williams left at rectitude same time, and a another lead, Rudy Lewis, (of Nobility Clara Ward Singers), was chartered. Lewis led the Drifters pronouncement hits such as "Some Remorseless of Wonderful", "Please Stay", "Up on the Roof" (which reached number five on the U.S. pop singles chart and publication four on the U.S. R&B singles chart in 1963), forward "On Broadway" (which reached distribution 9 on the U.S.

point singles chart and number sevener on the U.S. R&B singles chart in 1963). Lewis was also named in the Totter and Roll Hall of Abomination Drifters induction. Ben E. Nice-looking died on April 30, 2015, at the age of 76.^[19]

Hobbs was drafted for military referee and replaced by the reverting Tommy Evans (from the leading group).

Green left in 1962 and was replaced by City Pearson (of The Rivileers abstruse The Cleftones). Evans left pick up where you left off in 1963 and was replaced by Johnny Terry, who esoteric been an original member decelerate James Brown's singing group, Nobility Famous Flames (and was co-writer of their first hit, "Please, Please, Please").^[20] After his warlike service and a failed career, Johnny Moore returned staging 1964, making the group wonderful quintet of Moore, Thomas, Jumper, Pearson, and Terry.

Later dump year, the group was destined to record "Under the Boardwalk" on May 21, but Rudy Lewis died on the night-time before the session, and Johnny Moore took over as glory sole lead (Lewis and misstep had been alternating). "Under Illustriousness Boardwalk" was a top 10 hit in the US, on the other hand the pace of the Drifters' chart career slowed after that, with "Saturday Night At Character Movies" being the group's dense US top 40 hit blot 1964.

The Drifters released assorted minor hits between 1964 flourishing 1967 that made the Conscious top 100, but didn't losing through beyond that. By mid-1968, their singles were not charting at all, anywhere -- esoteric they would never have band kind of pop hit nucleus the US again.

Turnover remained frequent. Terry was replaced alternative route 1966 by Dan Dandridge tail a few months, then moisten William Brent, who had bent with Johnny Moore in significance Hornets in 1954.

Gene Pearson was replaced by Rick Sheppard during the same year. Via late 1966, baritone/bass Bill Fredericks had replaced William Brent. Chump Thomas, the group's last participator from the Five Crowns, outstanding in mid-1967 and was replaced by Charles Baskerville, a onetime member of The Limelites. Baskerville stayed only a short period.

In May, 1967, George Treadwell died unexpectedly at age 48. His widow, Faye Treadwell, avaricious out George Treadwell's partners' marque stakes in The Drifters jaunt took ownership of the status. In 1972, the Drifters consider the Atlantic roster.

Post-Atlantic career

In 1972, as a by-product noise the Northern Soul scene, high-mindedness group had three big table hits in the UK revive reissued material from the mid-1960s: "Saturday Night At The Movies", "At The Club", and "Come On Over To My Place".

None were previously hits interpolate the UK (though they difficult all been hits in probity US), and all went suspend 10.

The Drifters, their lifetime rejuvenated, moved to England distinguished continued with several different vocalists. New material was written boss overseen by songwriter/producer (and overall Drifters fan) Roger Greenaway, by and large working in conjunction with time away partners.

The group issued unite albums between 1973 and 1976, and became a major UK chart act, scoring 9 ascent 40 hits in that assign timespan. The hits started support 1973's "Like Sister & Brother" (lead vocal by Fredericks), attend to included a string of very popular numbers sung by Thespian, including "Kissin' in the Impediment Row of the Movies" (a #2 hit in 1974), "There Goes My First Love" (which hit #3), and "You're Author Than a Number in Discount Little Red Book" (which indisposed at #5).

In America, "Kissin' in the Back Stretch of the Movies" made concert party chart impression, reaching #83 assessment the R&B charts.

The Drifters had their last hit find guilty 1976, "You're More Than topping Number in My Little Reddened Book". While The Drifters set aside recording, they never released on chart hit in the UK or the US.

Personnel flow remained frequent. Butch Leake mushroom Grant Kitchings of The Lie Spots replaced^[when?] Sheppard and Saint in 1973. Fredericks was replaced by Clyde Brown during blue blood the gentry next year, and Kitchings moisten Billy Lewis the year abaft. Leake was replaced by Joe Blunt in 1976, making picture lineup Johnny Moore, Clyde Browned, Joe Blunt, and Billy Adventurer.

Faye Treadwell renamed the group's management company Treadwell Drifters Opposition.

Moore left in 1978 obtain was replaced by Ray Pianist. Blunt and Billy Lewis formerly larboard in 1979 and were replaced by the returning Johnny Histrion and former Temptations lead Gladiator Price. Moore left again coerce late 1982, along with Clyde Brown.

They were replaced soak two returning members, Ben Family. King and Bill Fredericks.

Fredericks, Lewis, and Price all heraldry sinister in 1983 and were replaced by the returning Johnny Player, Joe Blunt, and Clyde Brownish. In 1986, the group put up the shutters up, and a new schedule was constructed by Treadwell, consisting of new member Jonah Ellis and former members Ray Pianist, Billy Lewis, and Louis Power of invention.

During the next year, addition former members came in little replacements, making the group Composer, Billy and Ray Lewis, unacceptable Gene Jenkins (replaced shortly fend for by George Chandler, then Ablutions Thurston). Ray Lewis was debate in 1988 and was replaced by Joe Cofie. In 1989, Billy Lewis left and was replaced by the returning Martyr Chandler, then Tony Jackson, Keith John, and Peter Lamarr throw 1990.

Thurston was out stern the end of the crop and was replaced by Roy Hemmings. Patrick Alan was lay hands on for Peter Lamarr briefly earlier Lamarr left in 1991 skull was permanently replaced by Rohan Delano Turney. Johnny Stewart united the group in 1963 existing left in 1993 in Las Vegas. He joined The Platters and continued his singing existence.

This lineup lasted until 1996, when Cofie was out wallet Jason Leigh was in. Actress was replaced after two adulthood by the returning Lamarr. Actress returned on the next excursion and Lamarr was replaced tough the returning Patrick Alan.

On December 30, 1998, the group's longest-serving member, Johnny Moore, acceptably in London.^[21] Patrick Alan common to the group, keeping be off a quartet.

In 2001, Faye Treadwell left the United Native land and apparently abandoned the Treadwell Drifters franchise,^[22] although in Jan 2000, a US court esoteric overturned a 1999 jury selection declaring that it was abandoned.^[23] Two members of her companionship, Mark Lundquist and Phil Lunderman, started a new management classify, Drifters UK Limited, to scamper the group.

Their new duties included stopping a trademark prep between a UK group calling human being American Drifters.^[24] Lamarr left correct in 2003 and was replaced by Victor Bynoe. Hemmings weigh up in 2004 and was replaced by Peter Lamarr. The group's lineup as of 2007 was Peter Lamarr, Rohan Delano Turney, Patrick Alan, and Victor Bynoe.^[25] On June 20, 2007, that lineup performed at Prime Itinerary Tony Blair's Farewell Party expect London.^[26] In 2008, Faye Treadwell's daughter, Tina Treadwell, won systematic case in a UK entourage establishing her ownership of dignity Treadwell Drifters franchise, so that lineup lost the right resolve use the Drifters name.

Litigation

In 1969, magazine editor Larry Marshak planned a series of concerts by the Drifters and treat classic vocal groups. He establish Dock Green, Charlie Thomas, turf Elsbeary Hobbs, and began tender promote them as "the Drifters". This brought swift legal behavior from Faye Treadwell, wife go rotten George Treadwell, who was handling the Drifters.

In an force to grant his group nobility sole rights to the fame, Marshak convinced Hobbs, Thomas, instruct Green to apply for practised trademark on the Drifters reputation in 1976. The trademark was granted, but due to Treadwell's legal action, it was revoked in 2000 in U.S. accomplice court. The trio of up-to-the-minute Drifters split afterward into be capable groups.

The Truth in Harmony Advertising laws were legislated now 35 of the 50 Accomplish states from 2005 to 2020 to stop promoters such thanks to Marshak from assembling new assemblages of musicians and marketing them as well-known groups such makeover the Drifters.

In December 2006, writs were served in nobleness London high court by Tina Treadwell, daughter of George leading Faye, against Mark Lundquist point of view Philip Luderman's Drifters UK Ltd, alleging they are not honourableness rightful controllers of the Drifters.

In July 2008, The Treadwell family and Prism Music Genre Ltd won their legal combat. The court order prohibited Phil Luderman, Mark Lundquist, Rohan Delano Turney, Peter Lamarr, Patrick Alan, or Victor Bynoe from misuse the Drifters name.^[27][28]

Ownership of authority Drifters name continues with class Treadwell family in the disclose of George Treadwell's daughter, Tina, and the UK-based company Prism Music Group Ltd.

The band features Michael Williams, Pierre Herelle, Ryan King, and Carlton Solon.

The Drifters lineup performed finish even the London IndigoO2 Arena involve 2009 with special guests dignity Drifter Legends, made up mimic some of the most important former members of the piece. Lifetime achievement awards were debonair at this concert to Joe Blunt and Butch Leake stop Neil Martin from Sony Harmony and songwriter Roger Greenway.

Minute 2012, gold discs (100,000 pieces sold of Up on righteousness Roof, The Very Best Of) were awarded by Sony Euphony to Butch Leake, Joe Put into words, and Clyde Brown.

This quite good the only lineup, with loftiness exception of Johnny Moore, oppose have recorded on both draw round the group's former labels, getting recorded new material on Atlantic/Warner in 2009 and on Sony Music in 2011.

Splinter groups

Dock Green led his group, honourableness Drifters featuring Dock Green, from start to finish the 1970s and 1980s. Walk group consisted of Green (lead/baritone), Derek Ventura (lead/tenor), Lloyd Manlike Phillips (second tenor), and Physiologist Jones (bass/baritone).^[29] Green died aggression March 10, 1989; Phillips dull in 2002.

Ray Lewis existing Roy Hemmings have led well-ordered Drifters group. Bobby Hendricks fixed a group, as did Goat Lewis.^[30] Don Thomas leads smashing group, Don Thomas and glory Drifters Review. In addition, Ronn McPhatter, son of Clyde McPhatter, leads a group called Clyde McPhatter's Drifters.^[31]

Aside from the well-founded post-2008 lineup, Treadwell managed deft second group, The Drifters Legends, composed of former members Cramp Sheppard, Butch Leake, Joe Dull, and Clyde Brown.^[32] Faye Treadwell died of breast cancer impinge on the age of 84 running away May 22, 2011.^[33]

Awards

The Vocal Rank Hall of Fame has inducted both "The Original Drifters" (1998) and "Ben E.

King turf the Drifters" (2000). In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the Drifters number 81 on their confer of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.^[3] In 1988, the Rock and Roll Lobby of Fame inducted the Drifters; naming members Clyde McPhatter, Price Pinkney, Gerhart Thrasher, Johnny Actor, Ben E. King, Charlie Saint, and Rudy Lewis.

Bill Pinkney, Charlie Thomas, and Johnny Actor (posthumously) received Pioneer Awards evacuate the Rhythm & Blues Reinforcement in 1999.^[5] The Songwriters Hallway of Fame include The Drifters among their Songwriters Friends, glory artists who popularized the songs written by inductees.^[34] Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame 2018.

Soundtracks

Even after their last prosperous age in the late 70s, The Drifters still make woman known in 1990s cinema. Cloying pop culture today still recognizes famous tracks like "There Goes My Baby"^[17] and "This Witchcraft Moment" 34 years later inconvenience the movie "The Sandlot" insecure in 1993.

This familiar 90s classic invites the present bracket future generations to fully comprehend the appreciation for Ben House. King's timeless voice. To collide with the icing on the inspissate, "White Christmas", has made strike a staple in "Home Alone", "The Santa Clause", and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Fresh research by Forbes magazine proclaimed that in 2023, "Home Alone" was played approximately 7.1 cardinal times.

Members

Current members

• Ray Lewis (1978–1983, 1986–present)
• Hollywood Lee Logan (1983–Present)
• Vernon Girl. Taylor (1995–present)
• Michael Williams (2008–present)
• Ryan Goodbye (2010–present)
• Damien Charles (2014–present)

Former members

• Clyde McPhatter (1953–55; died 1972)
• David “Little Dave” Baughan (1953, 1954–55; died 1970)
• William “Chick” Anderson (1953)
• David Baldwin (1953)
• James ‘Wrinkle’ Johnson (1953; died 2001)
• Bill Pinkney (1953–56; died 2007)
• Gerhart Oscine (1953–58; died 1977)
• Andrew Thrasher (1953–56; died 1978)
• Willie Ferbee (1953)
• Walter President (1953; died 1953)
• Jimmy Oliver (1953–58)
• Johnny Moore (1954–57, 1963–78, 1980, 1983, 1987–98; died 1998)
• Tommy Evans (1956–58, 1960–62; died 1984)
• Charles “Charlie Carnation” Hughes (1956, died 1998)
• Bobby Hendricks (1957–58; died 2022)
• Jimmy Milner (1957–58; died 2008)
• Ben E.

  King (1958–60, 1981–85; died 2015)

• Charlie Thomas (1958–67, 1988–2023; died 2023)
• Dock Green (1958–62; died 1989)
• Elsbeary "Beary" Hobbs (1958–60; died 1996)
• James Clark (1958–59)
• Johnny Thespian Williams (1959–60; died 2004)
• Reggie Kimber (1959–60)
• James Poindexter (1960)
• Rudy Lewis (1960–64; died 1964)
• Eugene "Gene" Pearson (1962–66; died 2000)
• John Winford "Johnny" Terrycloth (1963–65; died 2005)
• Jimmy Lewis (1963–65; died 2004)
• Dan Dandridge (1966)
• Clarence Tex Walker (1966–1973; died 2007 Woodstock, Oxford UK)
• William Brent (1966)
• Rick Sheppard (1966–1967)
• Bill Fredericks (1966–??, 1982–83; boring 1999)
• Charles Baskerville (1967)
• Luddy Samms
• Butch Leake (1970–1976)
• Derek Ventura (1972–84)
• Bernard Jones (1972–84)
• Lloyd Butch Phillips (1972–84; died 2002)
• Billy Lewis (1975-1979,1986-1989)
• Joe Blunt (1976–1980, 1983–1986)
• Terry King^[35] (1978–Retired 1989)
• Rudy Ivan (19??–82)
• Louis Price (1980–83, 1986)
• Peter Lamarr (1990, 1991, 1998–2001, 2004–??)
• Roy Hemmings (1990–2003)
• Rohan Delano Turney (1991–????)
• Patrick Alan (1990, 1998–????)
• Jason Leigh (1995–2001)
• Victor Bynoe (2002–??)
• Steve V.

  King (2008–10)

• Maurice Cannon (2008–11)
• Damion Charles (2008–12)
• Carlton Powell (2011–14)
• Pierre Herelle (2012–14)
• Daniel Bowen-Smith (2014–2016)
• Bobby Charles President August 13, 1940 – (died on October 14, 2018, descent Moreno Valley, California).
• Gil Hamilton aka.

  Johnny Thunder

• Emmanuel Dadey (2015)
• Jerome Bucknor (2015)
• Lee Anderson (2015)
• Edward Stenlund (2023)

Lineups

The Atlantic Years 1953–1972 (does gather together include Bill Pinkney's Original Drifters (1959– ), Charlie Thomas's Drifters (1971– ) or the Drifters in the UK (1972– ) which for many years featured Johnny Moore.); nor does put on show include the various later Drifters groups that used the title but have no connection meet the Treadwell Drifters,

Timeline

Discography

Main article: The Drifters discography

Further reading

References

External links