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The Drifters music biography continued...

The group consisted of Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, Bill Pinkney, Gerhart Thrasher and Charlie Thomas. Most of The Drifters music was recorded while they were at Atlantic Records from the years 1953 to early 1966.The soul group was known to work with legendary writers and producers such as Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman, Gerry Goffin, and Carole King. While working with Leiber and Stoller, the producing duo experimented with the unique sound of Latin-tinged rhythms.
The Drifters were known to sing songs of romance, love, and everyday life in the Big Apple. The group was constantly changing lead singers; however this did not slow them down. The first hit record the Drifters had was "Money Honey," which soared to number one on R&B charts. McPhatter also sang the lead on the hits "Honey Love" and "White Christmas." After McPhatter left the group to pursue his solo career, Ben E. King took the lead. With King singing lead the group recorded the beautiful "There Goes My Baby" and "Save the Last Dance for Me." This was the Drifters' first single to top the pop and R&B charts.
Once again King left the group to go on to a very successful solo career, while Rudy Lewis stepped up to replace him. Rudy Lewis was a successful front-man as well, recording the hits "Up on the Roof" and "On Broadway." Tragedy struck the band, however, when lead singer Rudy Lewis died of a drug overdose in 1964. The band bounced back one last time with the magical Johnny Moore singing lead. The hit "Under the Boardwalk" was a true testament to the resilience of the group, and showed that they had made a lasting impression on soul and R&B music.