The Drifters

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer

Category: Performer

Inducted: 1988

Inducted by: Billy Joel

Nominated: 1986   1988

First Eligible: 1986 Ceremony

Inducted Members: Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, Bill Pinkney, Charlie Thomas and Gerhart "Gay" Thrasher

Snubbed Members: Dock Green, Elsbeary Hobbs, Jimmy Oliver, Abdul Samad, Andrew Thrasher, Reggie Kimber, Eugene Pearson


Inducted into Rock Hall Revisited in 1988 (ranked #64) .

R.S. Top 500 Albums (?)RankVersion
The Drifters' Golden Hits4592012

R.S. Top 500 Songs (?)RankVersion
Up On the Roof (1964)3752021

Essential Albums (?)WikipediaYouTube
Under the Boardwalk (1964)

Essential Songs (?)WikipediaYouTube
Money Honey (1953)
Fools Fall in Love (1957)
There Goes My Baby (1959)
Dance With Me (1959)
Save the Last Dance for Me (1960)
This Magic Moment (1960)
Up On The Roof (1962)
On Broadway (1963)
Under The Boardwalk (1964)

The Drifters @ Wikipedia



Comments

5 comments so far (post your own)

The history of rhythm and blues are full of groups whose names are held in the highest by fans and devotees, but it was The Drifters that linked rhythm and blues of the 50s with the soul of the 60s. They epitomized the vocal sound of New York City not only at its' beginnings in the 50s, but also in the following decade. Their place in rock and roll history is as complex as their role in it. In their sweet yet streetwise of R&B infused with influences from gospel. The songs they recorded came from all kinds of sources, including the songwriting teams of Leiber and Stoller and Goffin and King. All these people were from New York City and The Drifters were the ideal group for the delivering of scenarios of life in the big city. WIth Leiber and Stoller serving as producers, the songs the group cut brought in strings and Latin rhythms into the the vocab of popular music.

Some of thier best songs include "Honey Love", and "Money Honey".

With thier sounds and their style of singing, The Drifters went on to influence such singers as Berry Whte, Marvin Gaye and Billy Joel.

Posted by Andrew on Tuesday, 03/5/2013 @ 12:01pm


It's been 34 years since Ben E. King's first induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 05/5/2022 @ 13:26pm


The Drifters, and Ben E. King solo, were both on the Rock Hall ballot for 1986 and 1988, but only Ben E. King was on the Rock Hall ballot for 1987. The Drifters were inducted in 1988, and Ben E. King still has not been inducted a second time for his solo career.

Posted by Roy on Thursday, 05/5/2022 @ 13:40pm


Rest in Peace Charlie Thomas, 1937-2023.

Posted by Joe S. on Tuesday, 01/31/2023 @ 12:37pm


RIP charlie thomas, the last remaining drifter :(

Posted by Will M on Tuesday, 01/31/2023 @ 14:44pm


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Future Rock Legends is your home for The Drifters and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including year of eligibility, number of nominations, induction chances, essential songs and albums, and an open discussion of their career.


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