Platters, Drifters to perform at G.N. temple

The Island Now

The fourth season of Stephen C. Widom Cultural Arts at Emanuel continues on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m., with A Concert with The Platters and The Drifters. The Platters and the Drifters are two of the longest running pop groups in musical history.

In 1953, bass singer Herb Reed put together a group of four singers called The Platters, an idea he got from a disc jockey referring to records as platters.

The original group got its start on a television show called Ebony Showcase with Cornell Gunther singing lead on a swing version of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Late in 1953, the group signed a management contract with songwriter Buck Ram. 

By 1955 the groundbreaking blockbuster “Only You” (and You Alone) hit the charts.  Some of the songs you will hear are: “Only You,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Great Pretender,” “My Prayer.” The Drifters was formed in 1953 by lead singer in the Dominoes, Clyde McPhatter, and Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records under the management of former jazz singer George Treadwell. 

The Drifters became one of the most popular acts in the charts and on stage. Today, The Drifters are still owned by The Treadwell Family. The group has collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling more than 214 million singles and 114 million albums across the world. 

In 2003, The Definitive Drifters album was released in the UK, went gold in three weeks and was in the album charts for over four months, illustrating the band’s timeless appeal. Some of the songs you will hear are: “There Goes My Baby,” “Stand By Me,” “Save the Last Dance For Me,” “Under the Boardwalk.”

Following the concert, there will be refreshments.

Tickets are $15 or 2@$25. For further information about subscription discounts and to purchase tickets, call (516) 482-5701.

Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane in Great Neck.

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