The Drifters: Pioneers of Doo-Wop and Soul
The Drifters are an American vocal group, originally formed in 1953, whose enduring legacy is built upon a remarkable series of hit records across multiple decades. With a constantly evolving lineup, the group has charted numerous singles on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their status as one of the most successful acts in rhythm and blues history.
Early career
The group was formed in 1953 by manager George Treadwell, who owned the "Drifters" name. The original lineup, featuring lead singer Clyde McPhatter, quickly found success on the Atlantic Records label with early doo-wop hits like "Money Honey," which topped the R&B charts that same year.
Breakthrough
The Drifters' first major pop crossover breakthrough came in 1959 with the Ben E. King-led lineup and the release of "There Goes My Baby." This record, notable for its innovative use of strings and Latin rhythms, reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a million-seller, dramatically modernizing the group's sound.
Key tracks
There Goes My Baby - This 1959 single marked a pivotal turn towards a more sophisticated, orchestrated pop-soul sound and became their first major pop hit.
Save the Last Dance for Me - The group's biggest chart success, this 1960 single written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Under the Boardwalk - A quintessential summer anthem from 1964, this song became one of their most beloved and enduring recordings, reaching the Top 10.
Up on the Roof - This 1962 hit, led by Rudy Lewis, showcased the group's smooth harmony and romantic lyricism, becoming a classic of the era.
On Broadway - Another 1963 hit written by the team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, it captured the ambition and grit of New York City.
Following the success of the early 1960s, the group's lineup continued to change, but Treadwell's wife, Faye, managed the brand and licensed the name to new singers, leading to a second wave of popularity in the 1970s with UK hits like "Kissin' in the Back Row of the Movies." This period demonstrated the remarkable longevity and adaptability of The Drifters' catalog.
Artists with a similar foundational influence on vocal group harmony include The Platters, who also blended doo-wop with polished pop production. The Temptations carried the torch for dynamic vocal groups with precise choreography into the soul and funk eras. For the smooth Atlantic Records soul sound, Sam & Dave delivered a more gospel-fired approach. The music of The Drifters remains a staple on classic soul and oldies radio stations, where their timeless recordings continue to reach new generations of listeners. Their extensive catalog of hits is featured across various radio formats, ensuring their place in the soundtrack of American pop music.
The Drifters' vast collection of hit songs is regularly played on radio stations available through our service, where listeners can explore the rich history of vocal group music.
