The Drifters

Through a combination of having low paid musicians and a number of “splinter groups” there have been few groups in pop history with as many line-up changes as The Drifters. The group was initially formed when Clyde McPhatter who had left The Dominoes was signed to Atlantic Records.

After one failed attempt he formed a group comprising himself, Gerhart Thrasher, Andrew Thrasher, Bill Pinkney, Willy Ferbee and Walter Adams.

Early sessions saw them produce their first hit Money Honey which earned them instant fame. The early fifties (with varying line-ups) saw the group score a number of hits. This continued until 1954 when founder, McPhatter was drafted into the army (he later returned to music with a solo career).

Unfortunately upon his departure McPhatter demanded a share of the group’s profits which effectively doomed the group to an ever rotating line-up due to a lack financial stability. By 1958 low earnings were having a serious effect on morale and (then manager) George Treadwell sacked the remaining members. Early member, Bill Pinkney had been fired from the group for asking for more money but was soon forming “The Original Drifters” with previous ex-members such as the Thrasher brothers.

The group have experienced line-up changes once again (this time through being unable to replicate their earlier success broke up for a time in 1968) but continue to perform today. Treadwell also wanted to keep the name going so formed the New Drifters with one Ben E. King among the new line-up (then known as Ben E. Nelson).

The group had more success than Pinkney’s spin-off having a number of hits including There Goes My Baby. Of course the line-up (regarded as the band’s golden age) did not last and was constantly subject to change with King only lasting a year.

The best indication of the members that either had longevity or made a telling contribution would be The Drifters’ entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.The members inducted were; McPhatter, Pinkney, Gerhart Thrasher, Johnny Moore, King, Charlie Thomas and Rudy Lewis.