The Platters: An Introduction

The Platters are an American vocal group from the 1950s. They are considered one of the most successful vocal groups of all time, with over 50 charting singles in the US alone. Founded in Los Angeles in 1953 by Cornell Gunter and Alex Hodge, the group originally consisted of Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and Zola Taylor. Throughout their career they have had numerous lineup changes as well as many hits, such as “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Only You”.

Early Career and Lineup Changes

The Platters started off as a doo-wop group that sang covers of R&B songs. In order to stand out from other doo-wop groups of the time, The Platters were known for their close harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements. As their popularity grew, they were able to secure a recording contract with Mercury Records in 1955. This led to their first hit song, “Only You” which reached number five on the Billboard charts. Following this success, The Platters began touring internationally and added female singer Zola Taylor to their lineup. However, as the group’s success continued to grow they faced several lineup changes due to various disputes.

Success and Later Years

In spite of the numerous lineup changes, The Platters were able to maintain their popularity throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. During this time they released several hit songs such as “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” which reached number one on the Billboard charts in 1959. Following this success they released several more albums that featured their signature sound. Despite their success, The Platters faced financial troubles due to various lawsuits and disputes regarding royalties. As a result, they disbanded in 1965.

Legacy

Today The Platters are remembered as one of the most successful vocal groups of all time. Their music has been covered by numerous artists such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. In addition to their music, The Platters are also known for their intricate vocal arrangements which set them apart from other doo-wop groups of their time. They are also credited with helping popularize rhythm and blues music in the 1950s.