This video does not do the group justice. The Drifters sound much better in person ( I saw them in Sarasota in January 2012). The fellow on the left is bass singer Louis Bailey, nephew of the great Pearl Bailey and son of famous tap dancer Bill Bailey. Charlie Thomas was the original lead singer of Sweets for My Sweet, in 1961.
It's rare that you actually get to see a live performance of a Drifters song that the actual lead singer from the record is singing. This is one of those instances, since most Drifters lead singers have died I believe, except for 3 as of this date: Ben E. King, Bobby Hendricks ("Drip Drop") and Charlie Thomas. Charlie sang this single release, and "When My Little Girl is Smiling". Even When King was active in their recordings, Charlie sang Ben E.'s hits in concert. Charlie sang just the 2 hits.
This is one of the handful of records that Charlie Thomas originally sang lead on. Otherwise, he was background tenor, and was on every hit from 1959-65. This video, unfortunately, does not do justice to how it sounds in person. It's great, especially knowing it's "Charlie's" song!
Charlie Thomas which is singing here is the riginal member! He was the second original lineup after the Mcphatter Drifters..These guys were the second in 1958 and were the one's that had the hit's such as Sweets For My sweet, there goes my baby, this magic moment, on broadway,save the last dance for me,up on the roof etc.... everyone after this were fakes (clones) the only original member alive today performing the hits that were made by the originals is mr Charlie thomas! I'm his producer!
@AnthonyVitti I suggest you do some research. Yes, Charlie Thomas sang many of the hits but he is NOT an original member of the group. The original line-up consisted of Clyde McPhatter on lead vocals, William “Chick” Anderson (tenor), David Baldwin (baritone), James “Wrinkle” Johnson (bass), and David “Little Dave” Baughan (tenor). That line up did just one recording session and Ahmet Ertugen felt it didn't work so a second lineup did the next session. But Thomas wasn't in that line-up either.
This video does not do the group justice. The Drifters sound much better in person ( I saw them in Sarasota in January 2012). The fellow on the left is bass singer Louis Bailey, nephew of the great Pearl Bailey and son of famous tap dancer Bill Bailey. Charlie Thomas was the original lead singer of Sweets for My Sweet, in 1961.
tmfcronin 3 weeks ago
It's rare that you actually get to see a live performance of a Drifters song that the actual lead singer from the record is singing. This is one of those instances, since most Drifters lead singers have died I believe, except for 3 as of this date: Ben E. King, Bobby Hendricks ("Drip Drop") and Charlie Thomas. Charlie sang this single release, and "When My Little Girl is Smiling". Even When King was active in their recordings, Charlie sang Ben E.'s hits in concert. Charlie sang just the 2 hits.
bobbilse 2 months ago
What most versions lack, including this one here, is that piano that's on the original. That's what drives the damn song, come on already.
strandwolf 1 year ago
This is one of the handful of records that Charlie Thomas originally sang lead on. Otherwise, he was background tenor, and was on every hit from 1959-65. This video, unfortunately, does not do justice to how it sounds in person. It's great, especially knowing it's "Charlie's" song!
Doowopdan 1 year ago
Clyde McPhatter was the first lead singer with the Drifters.
g1h2nedlaw 1 year ago
Charlie Thomas which is singing here is the riginal member! He was the second original lineup after the Mcphatter Drifters..These guys were the second in 1958 and were the one's that had the hit's such as Sweets For My sweet, there goes my baby, this magic moment, on broadway,save the last dance for me,up on the roof etc.... everyone after this were fakes (clones) the only original member alive today performing the hits that were made by the originals is mr Charlie thomas! I'm his producer!
saharrafan 1 year ago
TE AMO, Brandy
sossssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssstannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnndulceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, MmuuuuAAAAAAAAAAAAAK
la Tonica
sobrinatiti 1 year ago
i dont get it.none of these are the original members.
blkshepherd 2 years ago
Charlie Thomas is an Original. He sang many of the hits.
AnthonyVitti 2 years ago
@AnthonyVitti I suggest you do some research. Yes, Charlie Thomas sang many of the hits but he is NOT an original member of the group. The original line-up consisted of Clyde McPhatter on lead vocals, William “Chick” Anderson (tenor), David Baldwin (baritone), James “Wrinkle” Johnson (bass), and David “Little Dave” Baughan (tenor). That line up did just one recording session and Ahmet Ertugen felt it didn't work so a second lineup did the next session. But Thomas wasn't in that line-up either.
MisterJWJ71 1 year ago
@MisterJWJ71 - I know the history. I've worked with him for 10 years. He sang many of the hits and people associate him as an original member.
JBass69 1 year ago
These Drifter dudes must be a thousand now. I love this song! :D :D XD XD
Ann44Gr 2 years ago
Just shows how great the Searchers version is
Palandy33 2 years ago
agreed..I like The Searchers version much better...also, the way they do Love Potion #9 is awesome!
njmhk 2 years ago
THE DRIFTERS !!!!!!!!
AnthonyVitti :
Thanks for this video
laurentlaurent65 2 years ago
Sure would like to hear the original record by the Drifters. KVS Class of '61
kvssgh 3 years ago
kool
GTFanForever 3 years ago