The Platters went through some changes in the early years, but the group that made it big in the mid 1950's included lead tenor Tony Williams, joined by Zola Taylor, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and David Lynch. The force behind the group was Buck Ram, who wore a lot of hats, including manager, songwriter, producer, and mentor. Under his guidance, the group had a string of hits that also included "Twilight Time", "Harbor Lights", and many others.
The group continued to be successful for many years through many personnel changes, with ex-members setting up competing Platters groups. It's continued to the present day, and the group has become a sort of franchise, blanketing the oldies tour circuit with countless versions of itself — all billed as The Original Platters. Gotta love it.
And a video of "The Great Pretender".
Article comments
1 - Javier Valverde
Hi Big Geez,
Thank you for writing this wonderful tribute to Zola Taylor and the Platters. Zola is one of the most influential musicians of all time and there is hardly a lot talk about her in these 50 years since the popularization of R and B in the mainstream. It's sad that she died. I hope more people get to know her music. Zola and the Platters' music is timeless. It is better than most music of nowadays.
Javier Valverde
2 - Big Geez
Appreciate your feedback, Javier. I enjoyed doing the article and am happy it found its way to you.
3 - Javier Valverde
Hi Big Geez,
Thank you for your compliment. I'll read more of your articles in the coming weeks.
Javier