The Original Platters

The Original Platters

The Worlds Greatest Vocal Group

The history of this most famous group since 1950’s has undergone many many changes. This has made the group difficult to keep track of.
Formed in 1953 The Platters magic got its chance to happen when Mercury Record signed the group. Their first recording was “Only You”.
In 1956 Billboard magazine voted The Platters, the number one group of R & B.
The Platters had seven top 10 records, nine back to back hits. They are surpassed only by Elvis and The Beatles.
In 1960 the lead singer Tony Williams decided to pursue a solo career. This put the group into a tail spin. People so strongly identified Tony Williams voice and style to The Platters, with out him, The Platters would be just another vocal group. Anyone could be singing background and it would pass as The Platters. But with out Tony that would be a problem.
As we know The Platters did go on. There were more changes to be made along the way.
There was to be more lead singers to come.
The Platters recorded 400 songs and sold over 80 million records. They were in 27 movies.
The recordings are still popular today. There are only two of the original members still alive. Zola Taylor, recovering from an illness and Herb Reed. Herb is still performing today and you can view his schedule at, http://www.herbreedandtheplatters.com/
The Platters were introduced into the hall of fame in 1990
Doo Wop: that distinctly American style of harmony singing, that comes to life on the big city street corner. These were the 50’s when the groups were only teenagers. Not even enough money to buy instruments for their bands. We were all teenagers then, listening to The Platters, the greatest vocal group ever.
The one and only Platters.