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The Fabulous
Drifters
Surely, there is no more aptly named group in show business today
than the Drifters. The group
that was formed 40 years ago to be vehicle for top talent to drift in
and out of has become the showcase for over 100 performers.
In fact, over 50 singers recorder with the Drifter’s 18 hit
records and 15 top album reign including no less than 7 different lead
singers.
While no one single Drifter really stands out, at least two
individuals whose careers originated with the Drifters achieved
superstardom on their own. Both
Ben E. King and Clyde McPhatter went on to sell millions of records as
solo performers and were ultimately inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame after their careers blossomed in Broadway theatre, on
television, in commercials, in jingles-truly every aspect of the
entertainment business.
And for their long careers as trendsetters in the music industry,
the Drifters were honored with the ultimate music business accolade in
1988; induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—prophetically in
the same year as such other rock and roll icons as the Beatles, the
Supremes, Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys.
Can you imagine any greater sampling of the greatness and
diversity of American pop-music than this quintet of inductees?
The years have been kind to the Drifters since the earlier group
under the direction of Clyde McPhatter disbanded in 1958.
Reformed with entirely different personnel, their very next
record was the four million seller with Ben E King, “There Goes My
Baby,” (the first rhythm and blues record to incorporate violins).
And throughout the numerous personnel changes, the group was able
to turn out 29 more chart records and have sold almost 50 million albums
worldwide. Their current blockbuster album, “The Drifters Then and
Now,” is perhaps their best, Featuring some of their greatest live
performances as well as their complete current live show recorded at the
Hard Rock Cafe on a two CD set.
But it is as a performing group that the Drifters are best known.
They have performed before 4 presidents including a recent appearance at
President Clinton’s second inaugural ball. They have been on
television over 100 times starting with the Ed Sullivan Show in the
50’s; with numerous appearances on the tonight show going back to Jack
Parr right on up through Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. Recently, they have
been on USA This Morning, the Today Show and Good Morning American
showing off their polished choreography, special effects and smooth
patter, but most of all the patented Drifter’s sound. Over the years
they have been chosen to represent the
United States
for the great bicentennial tour of
Russia
, have appeared at the home of the late Robert Kennedy in a charity
performance, performed for the Queen of England, and at the
Great Wall of China
. Additionally, they have performed on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange in honor of its 75th anniversary, at Jackie Mason’s wedding,
for chief Justice Berger at the American Bicentennial celebration at
Constitution Hall as well as being the only artists to perform at the
Statue of Liberty.
The current act blends a
tasteful mixture of The Drifter’s million sellers with contemporary
standards and many hits lifted from their new album, “Then &
Now” which promises to soar up the charts--all presented within the
context of the Drifters’ unique style.
The Drifters Million Sellers
There Goes My Baby
This Magic Moment
Save The Last Dance For
Me
Up On The Roof
On Broadway
Under The Boardwalk
Dance With Me/True Love,
True Love
1 Count The Tears
Addition Drifter Hits - Reached Top 10
Lonely Winds
Some Kind of Wonderful
Please Stay
Sweets for My Sweet
Room Full Of Tears
When My Uttle Girl Is
Smiling
Stranger On The Shore
I’ll Take You Home
I’ve Got Sand In My
Shoes
Saturday Night at The
Movies |
