The Drifters

"The Drifters were the all time greatest Atlantic recording group" said Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Recording Company and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1988 the Rockhall inducted the seven significant contributors to The Drifters' legacy - originals Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, and Gerhart Thrasher, and subsequent members Johnny Moore, Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, and Charlie Thomas - the recognized Drifters.


Perhaps Steve Leggett said it best. "Blessed with a succession of great lead singers, the immortal Drifters provided the prototype for R&B vocal groups and set the stage for the onset of soul with over ten years of marvelous singles beginning in 1953."