The Platters were a very successful doo wop group, formed in 1953. They first signed with Federal Records, but moved after meeting manager, producer and songwriter Buck Ram. They signed with Mercury Records and, under Ram's leadership, became one of the most popular African American singing groups of the time.
"Only You" was their first top-ten hit, followed by "The Great Pretender" and "Twilight Time." In 1959 they had a number one hit with Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," despite the fact that Kern's widow had expressed concern that her late husband's standard would be turned into a 'rock and roll' record.