Current Members Of The Drifters: Who’S Still On Board?

The Drifters, originally formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, the former lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in 1953, are known for their enduring legacy in the world of rhythm and blues. Charlie Thomas, Louis Bailey, Stephen Brown, and Jerome Manning currently make up the group.

However, understanding the history of the Drifters is crucial to fully appreciating the current lineup. The group’s roster has changed significantly over the years, with many talented vocalists contributing to their iconic sound. The original Drifters lineup featured Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Gerhart “Doc” Reid, Tommy Evans, and Renaldo “Ren” Benson. McPhatter left the group in 1954 to pursue a solo career, leading to the inclusion of Johnny Moore, Rudy Lewis, and Benjamin Nelson in the following years. This period marked a shift in the group’s musical direction, moving towards a more doo-wop style. Subsequent years saw the departure of key members like Rudy Lewis and Ben E. King, each leaving their mark on the group’s music. The Drifters’ legacy continued to evolve through the 1960s with the arrival of Gene Chandler, David “The Mighty” Lewis, Bill “The Thrill” Pinkney, and Jimmy “The Jester” Jones, each adding their unique talents to the group’s repertoire. The band’s continued success was built on the consistent flow of new talent and the enduring legacy of their distinctive sound. While the group’s personnel changed, The Drifters remained a cultural force, creating a blend of soulful ballads and energetic rhythm and blues. Today, the current members carry the torch, preserving the spirit and music of The Drifters for a new generation of fans.

Bill Pinkney, the last surviving original member of The Drifters, passed away on July 4th at the age of 81.

The Drifters were a legendary vocal group that rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. They’re known for their smooth harmonies and classic hits like “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Under the Boardwalk.” Though the group has seen many members come and go over the years, the original lineup was made up of Clyde McPhatter, Rudy Lewis, Bill Pinkney, Tommy Evans, and Gerhart “Doc” Reid. Sadly, all five original members have now passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and a profound impact on the world of R&B.

As a group, the Drifters were known for their smooth harmonies and romantic ballads. But the group also had a turbulent history, marked by shifting lineups and a high turnover rate. Several of the original members tragically died early on, and their replacements contributed significantly to the group’s sound. Nonetheless, the original five members established a foundation that cemented the group’s status as an enduring force in music history.

The Drifters have had several incredible lead singers over the years, each bringing their own unique style and charisma to the group. Clyde McPhatter was one of the most iconic, his powerful vocals defining the group’s early sound.

Johnny Moore was the group’s original leader and guitarist, and he played a key role in their initial success. He brought a driving energy and a raw, bluesy feel to their music. Ben E. King joined the Drifters later and brought a different kind of magic. His smooth, soulful voice transformed the group’s sound and propelled them to even greater heights.

While each of these singers was a major force in the Drifters’ sound, it’s important to remember that the group was a collective effort. They were known for their tight harmonies and their dynamic stage presence, which was a result of the interplay between all the members. This collaborative spirit was what truly made the Drifters a legendary group.

It’s worth noting that while Clyde McPhatter was the most prominent lead singer, he was not the group’s leader in the traditional sense. The Drifters were led by a series of different managers and producers, who played a significant role in shaping the group’s direction and sound.

The Drifters’ sound evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing musical landscape and the talents of the various members who came and went. But one thing remained constant: the group’s ability to deliver powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying performances. This legacy is what cemented the Drifters’ place in music history.

Bill Pinkney was fired from The Drifters after asking Treadwell for more money. Andrew Thrasher left the group in protest. Pinkney then formed The Flyers with lead singer Bobby Hendricks. The following year, Hendricks left The Flyers to join The Drifters.

The Drifters, a vocal group known for their smooth harmonies, experienced a period of transition in the late 1950s. While the group had achieved great success with their hit songs like “There Goes My Baby” and “This Magic Moment,” tensions arose within the group regarding finances and artistic direction. Bill Pinkney, a founding member and baritone singer, felt that the group’s leader, George Treadwell, was not fairly distributing the profits. He requested a raise, but his request was denied. Feeling undervalued, Pinkney decided to leave the group.

Andrew Thrasher, another member of the Drifters, stood in solidarity with Pinkney and also left the group in protest. Their departures marked a turning point for The Drifters. Pinkney, not wanting to leave his musical career behind, formed a new group called The Flyers. He invited Bobby Hendricks, a talented lead singer, to join him. The Flyers enjoyed some success but soon faced their own internal struggles. Hendricks, a gifted vocalist, felt that his talents were not fully appreciated by Pinkney. He decided to pursue a new opportunity and joined The Drifters, the group he had left a year earlier. His return brought a new dynamic to The Drifters and helped them regain some of their former glory.

The Drifters are touring! They’re currently performing in 2 countries and have 22 upcoming concerts. You can catch them at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone and then at the Playhouse in Whitley Bay. You can find all their tour dates below.

While the name The Drifters is still going strong, you won’t find the original members on stage. The group’s history is one of constant change, with a revolving door of lead singers and a legacy stretching back to the 1950s. The original group, formed in New York City in 1953, featured Clyde McPhatter on lead vocals and included Bill Pinkney, Tommy Evans, and Gerhart “Doc” Rogers. Their early recordings like “Money Honey” and “Such a Night” were instant hits.

Sadly, the group faced many challenges over the years. McPhatter, the lead singer, left in 1954 to pursue a solo career. The remaining members continued to tour and record. However, the group faced further changes with members leaving and new members joining. The band had a long legal battle over the name The Drifters. The original members, Pinkney, Evans, and Rogers, won the rights to the name in 1983.

Despite the many changes and legal battles, the name The Drifters has survived and continues to bring the music of the past to new audiences. The current group features The Drifters’ lead singer, Michael Williams, along with the other band members. They perform all of the group’s greatest hits, including “Under the Boardwalk”, “Save the Last Dance for Me”, and “This Magic Moment”. The group’s legacy is one of soulful music and enduring popularity, and they continue to entertain fans all over the world.

Bill Pinkney, the last surviving member of the original Drifters lineup, passed away in his hotel room on July 4th. He was scheduled to perform at a celebration that day.

Bill Pinkney was a talented singer and a key part of the iconic vocal group, The Drifters. He joined the group in 1953, just a year after their formation. The group quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s. They were known for their smooth harmonies and their soulful ballads.

Pinkney was a vital member of the group, contributing his powerful voice to many of their hits. These hits included:

* “Money Honey”
* “There Goes My Baby”
* “This Magic Moment”
* “Save the Last Dance for Me”
* “Under the Boardwalk”

The Drifters’ success continued through several lineup changes over the years. Pinkney remained with the group until 1967. He was known as a calm and steady influence within the group, providing stability amidst the inevitable changes in personnel. After leaving the Drifters, Pinkney continued to perform and record, though he never achieved the same level of success.

Pinkney’s death marked the end of an era. He was the last link to the original lineup of the Drifters, a group that has left an indelible mark on American music. His contribution to the Drifters’ legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote most of The Drifters’ songs. They were a songwriting duo who also collaborated with other songwriters. Sometimes, they even wrote songs as individuals with other writers.

Leiber and Stoller were a prolific songwriting team, and their work with The Drifters was some of their most successful. The duo wrote many of the group’s biggest hits, including “There Goes My Baby”, “Save the Last Dance for Me”, and “This Magic Moment”. They were also responsible for crafting The Drifters’ signature sound, which was a blend of rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and pop. This signature sound helped The Drifters become one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s.

Leiber and Stoller’s songwriting partnership was a true collaboration. They would often bounce ideas off of each other, and they were both equally invested in the creative process. They were also very in tune with the musical tastes of the time, and their songs reflected the trends of the era. They knew how to write songs that were catchy, meaningful, and would appeal to a wide audience. Their songs were often about love, loss, and the ups and downs of life, and they resonated with listeners on a personal level.

Their songs for The Drifters were often characterized by their strong melodies and memorable lyrics. They also incorporated elements of gospel and blues into their music, which gave it a unique and soulful quality. Leiber and Stoller’s work with The Drifters helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s, and their legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

Okay, let’s look at Drifter and whether it still exists.

Nestlé stopped making Drifter in 2007, but brought it back in 2008. It was like a blast from the past, kind of like when Cadbury brought back the Wispa bar. However, in 2018, Nestlé decided to stop making Drifter again. It was a bit sad, but it seems like it just wasn’t selling very well. The factory in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK that made Drifter closed down.

So, the answer is Drifter doesn’t exist anymore. At least, not in the way it used to.

Here’s a little more detail about why Drifter was discontinued:

The decision to discontinue Drifter in 2018 was likely driven by a combination of factors. Low consumer demand was a big one. Maybe people just weren’t buying it as much as they used to, which can happen with older products. Sometimes newer products come along that are more appealing, or maybe people just move on to different tastes.

There’s also the possibility that Nestlé was trying to focus on other products that were more popular or profitable. It’s a business, after all, and companies need to make smart choices about what they sell.

It’s a shame because a lot of people loved Drifter. Maybe someday it will make a comeback, but for now, it’s just a fond memory.

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