The Drifters

The Drifters are an American pop and R&B/soul vocal group. They were originally formed as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter, formerly the lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in 1953. The second group of Drifters, formed in 1959 and led by Ben E. King, were originally an up-and-coming group named the Five Crowns. After 1965, members swapped in and out of both groups and many of these formed other groups of Drifters as well. Over the succeeding decades, several different bands, all called the Drifters, can trace roots back to these original groups, but contain few—if any—original members.

Similar Artists

The Chiffons

The Chantels

The Marvelettes

The Shirelles

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

Dion & The Belmonts

Del Shannon

Little Anthony & The Imperials

Ben E. King

The Coasters

Percy Sledge

The Righteous Brothers

Little Eva

Jackie Wilson

Bobby Vee

Frankie Avalon

The Platters

The Miracles

Four Tops

The Crystals