The Platters stand as one of the most influential and successful vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s. Their beautiful harmonies, heart-wrenching ballads and distinct blend of doo-wop, R&B and early rock ‘n’ roll carved a unique place in music history. Led by the unmistakable voice of lead tenor Tony Williams, The Platters delivered timeless classics that not only dominated the charts, but also became deeply ingrained in popular culture. Two of their hits, “Only You” and “The Great Pretender” belong to the rock n’ roll treasure of the ‘50s. To honor their legacy, here’s a look at their career and at some of their greatest songs.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
The Story
- The Platters were formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1951. In 1953 the original members Tony Williams, David Lynch, Alex Hodge and Herb Reed were signed by music entrepreneur, manager and songwriter Buck Ram to Federal Records. Ram had originally met the Platters, while they were working as parking lot attendants.
- Herb Reed named the group while sitting around the kitchen table at the home of Alex Hodge with the others in the group. He was inspired by Mrs. Hodge placing a plate of cookies on the kitchen table where the group was sitting trying to find a new name. Several 78 rpm records were lying on the table, and as she pushed them aside she said, “They look just like platters.” Herb said, “That’s it. We’ll call ourselves The Platters”.
- The Platters has also one female member, singer Zola Taylor, from 1954 to 1962, when the group produced most of their popular singles.
- In their beginning, the band was in Federal Records, they recorded eight songs for Federal, including an early version of “Only You”, which was their first regional hit. Buck then signed them to Mercury Records with another group he managed, the Penguins.
- Convinced by Jean Bennett and Tony Williams that “Only You” had potential, Ram told The Platters to re-record the song during their first session for Mercury. Released in the summer of 1955, it became the group’s first Top Ten hit on the pop charts and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks.
- The follow-up single, “The Great Pretender”, with lyrics written in the washroom by Buck Ram, exceeded the success of their debut and became The Platters’ first national #1 hit. “The Great Pretender” was also the act’s biggest R&B hit, with an 11-week run atop that chart.
- In 1956, The Platters appeared in the first major motion picture based around rock and roll, “Rock Around the Clock”, and performed both “Only You” and “The Great Pretender”.
- A streak of eleven two-sided hits followed: “I’m Sorry” (#11), “He’s Mine” (#23) , “Enchanted” (#12) , “(You’ve Got) The Magic Touch” among others.
- The Platters began to have difficulties with the public after 1959, when the four male members were arrested in Cincinnati on drug and prostitution charges.Although no one was convicted, their professional reputation was seriously damaged and US radio stations started removing their records from playlists.
- In 1960, lead vocalist Williams left to pursue a solo career, signing with Reprise Records, but never approached his success with the Platters. He was replaced by tenor Sonny Turner. Mercury refused to issue further Platters releases without Williams on lead vocals, provoking a lawsuit between the label and manager Ram. The following years the group’s line-up splintered further.
- The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Songs
- “Only You” (1955)
The Platters’ enormous hit! “Only You” reached #5 on the Billboard charts and established The Platters’ signature sound. The song was originally written for The Ink Spots, but Tony Williams’ powerful delivery made it iconic. The song’s simple yet catchy vocal melodies and its earnest lyrics about undying love live up to our days. Buck Ram plays the piano here.
- “The Great Pretender” (1955)
Arguably their most famous song, “The Great Pretender” became a #1 hit on both the pop and R&B charts. The song captures the loneliness of someone pretending to be happy after losing love, which resonated deeply with listeners in the post-war era. Buck Ram wrote the lyrics in about twenty minutes in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. The song was later covered by Freddie Mercury in 1987.
- “Twilight Time” (1958)
Written by Buck Ram, originally as an instrumental for The Three Suns, The Platters’ version reached #1 on the pop charts and became another signature song for the group. Its dreamlike quality, combined with Tony Williams’ velvety voice, captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Ram said that he originally wrote it as a poem, without music, while in college. In 1963, the Platters recorded a Spanish version of the song entitled “La Hora del Crepúsculo”, sung in a rhumba-style tempo.
- “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” (1958)
A remake of the Jerome Kern (composer) and Otto Harbach (lyricist) classic, written for the 1933 musical comedy “Roberta”, The Platters’ rendition of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” topped the charts and remains one of the most elegant ballads ever recorded. The song’s haunting melody and emotional depth left an indelible mark on listeners. Despite its success, some radio stations initially refused to play the song, fearing it was too far removed from The Platters’ usual style. It was included in their “Remember When?” album.
- “My Prayer” (1956)
A 1939 popular song with music by salon violinist Georges Boulanger and lyrics by Carlos Gomez Barrera and Jimmy Kennedy, it was originally written by Boulanger with the title “Avant de Mourir” in 1926. Glenn Miller and The Ink Spots recorded this song first. The Platters turned “My Prayer” into a #1 hit with their romantic interpretation. The song’s lush harmonies and heartfelt lyrics made it a favorite at weddings and romantic gatherings. Tony Williams’ voice was so mesmerizing on this track that many radio DJs commented that listeners would call in just to hear the song again and again.
- “Harbor Lights” (1960)
A soothing ballad with maritime imagery, “Harbor Lights” evokes feelings of nostalgia, longing and hope. It was originally recorded by Roy Fox & his Orchestra with vocal by Barry Gray in London on 29 January 1937. The Platters turned this song into a chart-topping hit. I love this song, and its dreamy dimension.
- “Remember When” (1959)
“Remember When” is a tune that wistfully reflects on past love, one of the Platters’ most requested songs during live performances. Written by Buck Ram and Mickey Addy, it’s the last song of the same-titled album. The version on the album was recorded in 1956, the version on the single was recorded in 1958. This song has The Platters’ signature sound and is one of the most serene and nostalgic songs of the late ‘50s.
- “I’m Sorry” (1960)
In “I’m Sorry” (firstly recorded by Bobby Wayne in 1952) The Platters blend sorrow and pleading into a smooth, ethereal R&B ballad. It wasn’t one of their biggest hits but became beloved among fans for its tender emotion and Williams’ passionate performance. A fine example of how the members of a vocal group shall cooperate for the best result.
- “You’ll Never Never Know” (1956)
In this priceless gem, doo-wop is perfectly combined with R&B and early soul and the group’s tight vocal harmonies fit perfectly with the intricate arrangements. The song’s quiet intensity helped it stand out among their ballad-heavy repertoire. The voice of the baritone sticks to your mind! The song also hinted at the emerging Motown sound.
- “Red Sails in the Sunset” (1960)
Another remake of a popular standard, written by Hugh Williams and Jimmy Kennedy in 1935, The Platters’ rendition is marked by its relaxed tempo and warm vocals. It’s a calming piece that highlights the group’s range beyond heartbreak ballads. “Red Sails in the Sunset” was covered by a range of artists, including Bing Crosby. The Beatles often performed a rock-and-roll reworking of the song during their early years of nightclub engagements, with Paul McCartney doing the vocals. It was on their setlist when they played at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, in 1962.
- “If I Didn’t Care” (1961)
The Platters’ version of “If I Didn’t Care” reinterprets the 1939 classic by The Ink Spots (composed by Jack Lawrence). Their version offers a more polished, harmonically rich arrangement, adding their unique flair. The version by The Ink Spots is often considered one of the early influences on doo-wop, making The Platters’ cover a fitting tribute to their musical roots.
- “With This Ring” (1967)
By the late ’60s, The Platters adapted to the changing music landscape. “With This Ring” was a more upbeat, Motown-influenced track that became a Top 20 hit on the R&B charts. This song marked a departure from the original lineup’s sound, with a new lead vocalist, Sonny Turner, taking over for Tony Williams. Turner’s performance is brilliant, proving he was the best singer to replace Williams.
- “You’ve Got the Magic Touch” (1956)
In “You’ve Got the Magic Touch” you can listen to The Platters at their romantic best. One of their most enchanting tunes, it was again written by Buck Ram and represents the sound of early rock n’ roll. It reached #4 on both the U.S. pop chart and the U.S. R&B chart in 1956.
- “The Mystery of You” (1957)
Last but not least, this is one of my favorite songs by The Platters, a doo-wop artifact, which shows The Platters’ ability to thrill the listeners with their amazing vocal work and phenomenal sense of melody. It was the B-side of the “Only Because” single.
The Legacy
The Platters’ music transcended genre boundaries, blending different music elements to create songs that spoke to the heart. Their luminous vocal melodies and evocative performances have left an enduring legacy, influencing countless artists and delighting fans for generations. The Platters will live forever through their timeless hits. That was just a glimpse into the career, the songs and the vast impact The Platters had on the musical landscape.
