The Drifters

The Drifters are an American vocal group whose changing lineups produced influential rhythm-and-blues and soul recordings, including several enduring pop hits.

Clyde McPhatter: Clyde McPhatter was an American rhythm-and-blues singer and the Drifters’ first lead vocalist. His gospel-inflected lead singing defined the group’s original sound.
Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters: Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters were the group’s original early-1950s lineup and recording identity. Their gospel-rooted harmonies established the first Drifters sound.
Money Honey: “Money Honey” is a 1953 rhythm-and-blues song recorded by Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters. The group’s debut single became a major R&B hit and showcased McPhatter’s lead.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and institution recognizing influential figures in popular music. The Drifters were inducted in 1988, recognizing their lasting influence.
Ahmet Ertegun: Ahmet Ertegun was a Turkish-American record executive who co-founded Atlantic Records. He helped form the Drifters around McPhatter in 1953.
Ben E. King: Ben E. King was an American soul singer who served as the Drifters’ lead vocalist from 1958 to 1960. His restrained, resonant leads anchored the group’s late-1950s hit period.
There Goes My Baby: “There Goes My Baby” is a 1959 Drifters song featuring Ben E. King on lead vocals. Its strings and Latin-influenced rhythm marked a bold shift in the group’s sound.
Doo-wop: Doo-wop is a vocal rhythm-and-blues style built around group harmonies and nonsense syllables. The Drifters’ early recordings grew from the vocal-group tradition associated with doo-wop.
Atlantic Records: Atlantic Records is an American record label founded in 1947, known for rhythm and blues, jazz, and soul. The label signed and recorded the Drifters throughout their formative years.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were American songwriters and record producers known for rhythm and blues and pop hits. Their arrangements and productions helped shape the Drifters’ polished early-1960s sound.

Linked from 7 pages