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Tunes Du Jour Presents The Drifters
The Drifters, known for their timeless hits, were more than just a vocal group—they were a revolving door of talent, innovation, and influence. Their manager, George Treadwell, famously owned the rights to the group’s name, allowing him to replace members as he saw fit. This created a unique dynamic in which the lineup of The Drifters was constantly evolving, but the sound remained consistent, thanks to brilliant vocalists like Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, and later, Johnny Moore. The shifting roster didn’t diminish the group’s success; rather, it seemed to fuel their ability to adapt to the changing music landscape of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Before joining The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter was the usual lead singer for Billy Ward and the Dominoes, contributing to their early success with his distinctive, gospel-infused voice. Songs like “Have Mercy Baby” and “The Bells” highlighted his emotional delivery and vocal range, setting the stage for what would come next in his career. His time with the Dominoes laid the foundation for the innovative sound he would help bring to The Drifters, marking a pivotal moment in his development as one of R&B’s greatest vocalists.
The Drifters were trailblazers in many respects. Songs like “There Goes My Baby” brought orchestration into the realm of rhythm and blues, breaking new ground by blending classical strings with a soulful vocal performance. Similarly, “On Broadway” and “Up on the Roof” captured urban life’s glamour and grit, weaving storytelling with lush, intricate harmonies. The songs’ productions were often grand and ambitious, thanks in part to producers like Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who knew how to balance pop accessibility with artistic flair.
The influence of The Drifters extended beyond their chart success. Ben E. King’s solo work, such as the universally beloved “Stand By Me” and “Spanish Harlem,” grew from the soulful foundation he helped build with The Drifters. Clyde McPhatter’s solo career also flourished with hits like “A Lover’s Question” and “Without Love (There Is Nothing),” which showcased his soaring voice. Their work as both individuals and part of the group helped shape the sound of R&B and soul music for years to come.
Another fascinating aspect of The Drifters was the way they handled romantic themes. Hits like “Save the Last Dance for Me” and “This Magic Moment” masterfully conveyed the highs and lows of love, set to irresistible melodies that have since become part of the Great American Songbook. The group’s ability to evoke deep emotion, whether it was longing, joy, or heartache, made their music resonate across generations. The universal appeal of songs like “Under the Boardwalk” further solidified their legacy.
The Drifters’ story is a testament to the power of adaptability. Though they were often a group in flux, the quality of their music never wavered. By blending innovation with a revolving door of vocal talent, they left an indelible mark on popular music. Whether you’re drawn to the lush productions, the heartfelt lyrics, or the seamless harmonies, The Drifters’ catalog remains a treasure trove of R&B brilliance.
Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 4-20-24
If you’re looking for a smooth soundtrack to unwind with, Luther Vandross has you covered. His smooth vocals and captivating stage presence made him a beloved and influential figure in R&B and soul music.
Early in his career, Vandross honed his skills not just as a singer, but as a songwriter and producer. He penned the uplifting “Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day” for the Broadway musical The Wiz, showcasing his talent for crafting memorable melodies. This period also saw him become a sought-after background vocalist, lending his voice to the recordings of icons like David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Todd Rundgren, Diana Ross, Ben E. King, Sister Sledge, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Judy Collins, the J. Geils Band, Irene Cara, and Bette Midler. Not only did Vandross sing on Bowie’s “Fascination,” but they wrote the song together. This experience further solidified Vandross’ own artistic vision, which he would soon unleash on the world.
Before embarking on his solo journey, Vandross dipped his toes into the world of lead vocals. He fronted the disco group Change, belting out their hit “The Glow of Love.” He also sang lead for Bionic Boogie on their track “Hot Butterfly,” and even fronted a short-lived band simply called Luther.
Quincy Jones’ “Takin’ It To the Streets,” featuring Vandross as a lead vocalist alongside Gwen Guthrie, demonstrated his ability to shine even before his solo breakout. Later in his career, Vandross would seamlessly slip back into the role of collaborator, creating magic on duets with artists like Janet Jackson (“The Best Things in Life Are Free”) and Dionne Warwick (“How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye”).
The 1980s marked Vandross’ rise to stardom as a solo artist. Tracks like “Never Too Much” and “Here and Now” became instant classics, showcasing his ability to blend vulnerability with pure soulful power.
Throughout his career, Vandross racked up accolades. He’s a Grammy Award winner with eight statues to his name, and countless other awards solidify his place as a musical giant. But beyond the trophies, his true impact lies in the way his music continues to connect with listeners. Whether it’s a slow dance ballad or a roof-raising anthem, Vandross’ music offers a timeless blend of emotion and artistry. So next time you hear that velvety voice, take a moment to appreciate the work of a true musical great, who not only delivered unforgettable solo performances but also left his mark through songwriting, production, and collaborations across genres. Today’s playlist isn’t just a collection of Luther Vandross’ greatest hits – it’s a mix of some of those tracks alongside other gems that reveal the breadth of Vandross’ musical contributions. Prepare to be surprised at where he turns up. For example, those unforgettable “ba ba”s that open Stevie Wonder’s “Part-Time Lover?” That’s Luther!
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 11-25-23
Born out of lyrics Percy Sledge improvised during a performance after his girlfriend left him, “When A Man Loves A Woman” went on to become a true classic. Sledge let his keyboard and bass players have the full writing credit. On Sledge’s first recording of the song, the horns were out of tune, so Sledge did another take. His record company accidentally released the first version as a single. I don’t think they regret that error.
The late Percy Sledge was born on this date in 1940. His best-known song kicks off today’s playlist.
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-2-23
“Will It Go Round In Circles,” Billy Preston’s second US number one single, was borne from a comment Preston made to his songwriting partner, Bruce Fisher, about having a song but no melody. From there the pair came up with lyrics about having a dance with no steps and added to those words a very catchy melody. A session that included pre-stardom guitar and bass players The Brothers Johnson brought the groove and the funk.
Billy Preston’s first time having his name appear at the top spot of the Hot 100 was in 1969 with “Get Back,” credited to The Beatles With Billy Preston. Following The Beatles’ breakup, Preston continued working with its members, including playing with George Harrison at the Concert for Bangladesh. Preston was the first artist to record Harrison’s My Sweet Lord,” which Harrison co-produced and later recorded himself.
“Will It Go Round In Circles” entered the Hot 100 at number 99. It reached the top ten eleven weeks later, at which time the number one song was Paul McCartney and Wings’ “My Love.” “My Love” was knocked from the top spot by George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth),” which was knocked from the top spot by “Will it Go Round In Circles.” The b-side of the Preston single was his cover of The Beatles’ song “Blackbird.”
The late Billy Preston was born on this date in 1946. A handful of his songs feature on today’s playlist.
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 9-28-22
Today’s playlist celebrates the September 28 birthdays of St. Vincent, The Drifters’ Ben E. King, Jeezy, Koko Taylor, The Farm’s Peter Hooten, Cigarettes After Sex’s Greg Gonzalez, Moon Zappa, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, and Keni Burke; and the September 29 birthdays of Jerry Lee Lewis, The London Suede’s Brett Anderson, Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner, Booka Shade’s Walter Merziger, The Posies’ Jon Auer, Blues Image’s Mike Pinera, Bros’s Matt and Luke Goss, Mr. Vegas, Halsey, Mike Post, Debelah Morgan, and Madeline Kahn.
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Throwback Thursday: 1961
The years between 1958 and 1963 are often thought of as a sleepy time for rock and roll, a quiet time between the genre’s initial burst onto the charts and the onslaught of the British Invasion. However, lots of great records were charting during those years. Check out this playlist of thirty hits from 1961 for proof.
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Throwback Thursday: 1962
A popular misconception that I sometimes fall into is that the years after The Day The Music Died (early 1959) and before The Beatles hit in America (early 1964) the pop chart was pretty dull. Sure, there was a lot of schmaltz on the Hot 100 – there always is – but there was a lot of exciting stuff, too, as today’s Throwback Thursday playlist will attest. Girl groups, Motown, Ray Charles, James Brown, Frankie Valli, Sam Cooke, The Beach Boys and lots of other good stuff made the top 40. Have a listen to thirty of 1962’s best.
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