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. "My Prayer", "The Magic Touch" and "Harbor Lights" also became popular; all were known at the time as excellent "make-out songs". The Platters are still known as one of the most romantic doo wop groups.
The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998, its first year.
The group's lineup has changed many times. The original lineup in 1953 was lead Cornell Gunter, bass Herb Reed, Alex Hodge, Joe Jefferson, and David Lynch. This lineup was shortlived; within a year, Hodge, Jefferson, and Gunter were out, and Paul Robi, Zola Taylor, and new lead Tony Williams were in. This lineup lasted until 1960. At that time Williams was replaced by Sonny Turner; Williams would later lead his own Platters group. Taylor was replaced in 1964; she would later lead a Platters group as well. Robi left in 1965, also later leader of a splinter Platters group.
Herb Reed left in 1969, also leading a Platters group, with former Platter Nate Nelson, who had filled Robi's vacancy in 1967. Sonny Turner left in 1970 and was replaced by Monroe Powell. (Turner led his own Platters group starting in 2001). Powell remained the most constant member from 1970 to 1995. That year, a dispute between Powell and manager Jean Bennett (who took over for Buck Ram following his death) led to the two parting ways. At the time, the group's lineup was in limbo, leaving one person, Kenn Johnson, as the only other group member. Powell and Johnson continued touring as The Platters, with Bennett hiring a new "Buck Ram Platters" with lead Tyrone Sweet.
