The Platters

The Platters

Sonny Turner the REAL DEAL

In 1960 lead singer for The Platters left to pursue a solo career.  Sonny Turner took over as lead singer.  He was chosen out of 100 prospects.
Sonny Turner blended in and could get that unique sound that Tony Williams sang with.
Sonny was copying Tony Williams on all of the old platter hits. For the next four years the group toured and sang the hits from the 50’s.
After years with out a hit and the popularity of their music changing directions, a new record company and new producer sent them in the right direction.
Combing their smoothness with a more contemporary style of rhythm and beat. They recorded “I love You a Thousand Times” it was a hit with Sonny Turner’s strong voice and The Platters smooth harmony The Platters were back on top.
Sonny Turner did material that was suited for him and expressed him self with out trying to copy anyone. Sonny Turner was now the sound of The platters. Two more songs “With This Ring and “Washed Ashore” followed the others to the top of the charts.
By 1965 The Platters went through more changes, more members leaving and others coming in as replacements. By 1969 the last of the originals, Herb Reed quit, and by 1970 Sonny Turner decided to leave for a solo career.
Unfortunately the history of The Platters over the past several decades has been in turmoil it has been infiltrated with many groups, or “Copy Cat”, groups that use the original names but included no original members. These “copy cat” groups are making millions off the platters name, telling people they are The Platters.
We caught up with Sonny Turner in Wendover, Nevada this month.
When I ask him where his home was now, I was surprised to learn it was Las Vegas, Nevada.
We started talking about the “copy cat” groups and how us as unsuspecting public do not know, these groups, are not the real Platters.  We have been to Branson, Mo and Las Vegas to see what we thought was the real deal, just to find out we saw the “copy cats.
Sonny told me the original members were too young to know about the music business and never copy writed their name. Now everyone in cashing in on the famous name.
Makes you feel really ripped off. Sonny is trying to get laws past to protect them and protect others.
Sonny Turner puts on a great show.  He sings and dances like he was still a teen. Singing all of the old hits, as well as the later ones. You will not be disappointed with his performance.
Brings you back to the days of poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and pony tails when the Platters were at the top of the charts. We could dance the night away and never tire.
Be sure and catch the show when Sonny Turner comes your way. You can be assured he is,
THE REAL DEAL
www.SonnyTurner.com
e-mail sonnyturner@webtv.net