The Drifters

Bio

The Drifters are an American doo-wop and R&B vocal group formed in New York City in 1953. Over the decades the lineup has changed many times, yet the name has remained synonymous with the lush, string-laden sound of early-1960s soul thanks to hits such as “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Up on the Roof.” Originally assembled by manager George Treadwell, the ensemble drew its first success with lead singer Clyde McPhatter, then later with Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis. Their records, largely produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and later by Bert Berns, helped define the transition from doo-wop to mainstream pop-soul and influenced countless harmony groups that followed.