In 1953, several

young men from different gospel groups approached the heads of Atlantic

Records with an idea to combine as one super group of gospel singers.

The executives

didn't bite instantly, but when the singers decided to blend their gospel

sounds with rhythm and blues, Atlantic Records couldn't resist, and The

Drifters were formed. This week, local audiences will get to experience

their sound as The Drifters perform at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater

Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

The original

group consisted of Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Gearhart Thrasher and

Andrew Thrasher. Their first hit was the chart-topping "Money Honey,"

which was later recorded by Elvis Presley. Other big hits for the group

included "Save The Last Dance For Me," "There Goes My Baby,"

"On Broadway," and "Under The Boardwalk." They also

released a new version of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas,"

which became one of the 10 best selling Christmas recordings of all time.

Pinkney is

the only original surviving member of the band, but subsequent members

have included Johnny Moore, Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis and Charlie Thomas.

Thomas and King are both still alive and touring with the group. In 1988,

The Drifters were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Ahmet

Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records and the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame,

has said that The Drifters are the all time greatest Atlantic recording

group.

Pinkney turns

76 this August. He was recently awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts

degree from Coastal Carolina University, citing his World War II decorations,

his close association with classic rhythm and blues recordings and his

involvement with beach music and the shag. The Drifters tour on a regular

basis and are fan favorites.

The Drifters

will perform Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16 at the Frederick Brown

Jr. Amphitheater at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 770-631-0630.

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