The Drifters

The Drifters
Atlantic Records · Public domain · source
Name	The Drifters
Origin	New York City, United States
Genre	Rhythm and blues, soul, doo-wop
Years active	1953–present
Label	Atlantic Records, Bell Records, ABKCO Records
Associated acts	The Coasters, Ben E. King, Clyde McPhatter

The Drifters. An iconic American vocal group, The Drifters have been a cornerstone of rhythm and blues and soul music since their formation in the 1950s. Known for their sophisticated harmonies and a revolving lineup of legendary lead singers, the group has produced a string of timeless hits that helped define the Brill Building sound and influenced the British Invasion. Their enduring career, marked by multiple distinct eras, stands as a unique phenomenon in popular music.

History

The group was formed in 1953 under the guidance of Ahmet Ertegun and his partner Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records, initially built around lead singer Clyde McPhatter, formerly of Billy Ward and his Dominoes. This early incarnation, managed by George Treadwell, achieved success with songs like "Money Honey" but faced instability. After McPhatter's departure for a solo career, Johnny Moore and later Bobby Hendricks took over lead duties. In 1958, following a dispute, Treadwell fired the entire group and hired the existing Crowns, featuring Ben E. King, to assume The Drifters name, marking a complete rebirth. This new lineup, under the songwriting and production team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, ushered in a golden age. Later managed by Allen Klein, the group continued through the 1960s with further personnel changes, navigating the rise of Motown and psychedelic soul. Despite legal battles over the name, touring versions of the group have performed continuously for decades.

Musical style and influence

The Drifters' sound evolved from the gospel music-infused doo-wop of the McPhatter era to a polished, orchestrated rhythm and blues style. Their work with producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and songwriters like Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman incorporated lush string arrangements from Stan Applebaum and the Latin-tinged baion rhythm, creating a blueprint for uptown soul. Tracks like "There Goes My Baby" were groundbreaking for their use of strings and conga drums in an R&B context. This sophisticated production, combined with smooth harmonies and emotive leads, directly influenced numerous British Invasion acts, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, who covered their material. Their sound also paved the way for the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" and the dramatic soul of artists like Tom Jones.

Members and lineups

The group is famous for its extraordinarily fluid membership, with over 60 singers having performed under the name. The principal eras are defined by their lead vocalists. The early "classic" Drifters (1953-1958) were led first by Clyde McPhatter, then successively by Johnny Moore, Bobby Hendricks, and Bill Pinkney. The seminal 1959-1965 era featured leads Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, and the returning Johnny Moore. Key tenor and baritone members during peak years included Charlie Thomas, Elsbeary Hobbs, and Gene Pearson. After the mid-1960s, Johnny Moore led various touring lineups, while other factions emerged, leading to complex legal disputes over trademark rights with former manager Allen Klein and his company ABKCO Records.

Discography and chart success

The Drifters have an extensive catalog spanning several labels, with their most celebrated work on Atlantic Records. They have placed over 30 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, with a dozen reaching the Top 10. Their signature hits include "Save the Last Dance for Me" (a 1960 number-one), "Under the Boardwalk" (1964), "Up on the Roof," "This Magic Moment," and "On Broadway." Compilation albums like *The Drifters' Golden Hits* (1968) have remained perennial sellers. Their chart success continued in the United Kingdom, where they became a staple of the Northern soul scene and later scored hits like "Kissin' in the Back Row of the Movies" (1974) on Bell Records.

Legacy and awards

The Drifters' impact on popular music is profound and widely recognized. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, with the honor citing both the McPhatter and King-led lineups. The group is also inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and has received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. Their songs have been covered by an immense range of artists from Elvis Presley and Dionne Warwick to Bruce Springsteen and Amy Winehouse. In 2004, *Rolling Stone* magazine ranked them number 81 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." Their music remains a fixture in films, television shows, and advertisements, cementing their status as one of the most enduring vocal groups in history.

Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1953 Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees