Platters I'll never smile again

In 1955 the Platters made their first hit record "Only You", It was not until a year later that I discovered Rock and Roll, thankfully through seeing Elvis Presley on TV. Most rock songs and groups went over my head and I gave them no notice until about the mid 50's and early 1960's. That was when I really discovered people like Lloyd Price and the Coasters.

I always thought The Platters were great. The lead singer, Tony Williams had a wonderful voice and that voice separated The Platters completely from the other rock stars of the era. How could you sing better than Tony Williams?

The songs recorded by Tony Williams and the rest of The Platters are absolutely perfect and a complete joy! I am glad to know that I am not the only one who feels this way. Over the years The Platters (in their various incarnations) have recorded over 400 songs and sold over 80 million records. But I am willing to bet that 99% of the record sales resulted from sales of the songs that were recorded by Tony Williams and The Platters between 1955 and 1960. In 1960 Tony left to pursue a solo career and Sonny Turner took over as lead singer. Many personnel changes have occurred since then.

THE SAD TRUTH: While others who participated in the group since 1960 were highly talented and even had some hit records, the fact is that the group has never achieved the "magic" and perfection of when Tony Williams fronted the group for those 6 years.




Tony Williams


The Platters were formed as an amateur group in Los Angeles in 1953. They consisted of Cornell Gunther, Joe Jefferson, Alex Hodge and Herb Reed. The name came from the term most DJ's used at the time to describe the records they played - A Platter.

Buck Ram, a songwriter and manager from Chicago signed the group in late 1953 and was able to negotiate a contract with Mercury Records in 1955.

By that time, when the Platters switched from amateur to professional, many personnel changes had been made. By 1954 the group consisted of Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor.

Buck Ram did very well with the group. In addition to being the manager, he also wrote some of their hits.

The group appeared in 27 movies such as "Rock Around the Clock".

In later years their music appeared in a much more classic movie, 1973's "American Griffiti", where two of their songs, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Only You" were very important parts of the movie. They still sounded great and wonderful, even after 16 years.

On January 2, 1981, David Lynch passed away. On February 1, 1989, Paul Robi died. On August 14, 1992, Tony Williams died of emphyzema. Zola Taylor just passed away on April 30, 2007 at age 69. Herb Reed is now the only living original member.

In 1990 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am glad to see that Tony Williams lived to see the honor happen.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Platters
• I'll
• never
• smile
• again

[jgyll8mt]

I'm back for a second look. If I had a Charlize Theron at home I would have a smile on my face all the time. Screw my buddies, I'd race home with my lunchpail like happy Jack from the factory.

OOOOOFFFFFFF YES, YES, YES!

[hwaj5300]

@jgyll8mt

I'll have to use her image in more of my videos.....What do you think ?????

Hwaj5300

[TiCasque100]

OMG! I thought he was talking about a brunette!!! lol

[hwaj5300]

@TiCasque100

I am...Thanks

Hwaj5300

[ladycharmable]

Beautifull song from the platters as usual.

Thank you for sharing.

Ladycharmable

[hwaj5300]

@ladycharmable

Tony Williams....The BEST

Hwaj5300

Happy new year

[sauquoit13456]

Entered Billboard's Top 100 on July 31st, 1961; eventually peaking at No. 25 and spent 8 weeks in the Top 100.

In 1940, original version by Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra with vocals by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers; stayed at No. 1 for 12 weeks {July 27th to October 12th, 1940} on the National List of Best Selling Retail Records chart

[hwaj5300]

@peteykkk

Hey Pete .......I will drink to that statement ......Saw a tried comeback of Tony's. After he got out of prison , he lost his voice and a tear welled up in my eye. I was a grown man of 30 something at t5he time.

Hwaj5300

[peteykkk]

The Platters were just never the same after Tony left. He was The Platters! One of the greatest groups ever!

[hwaj5300]

@jgyll8mt

YES YES YES .....Right

Thanks jgyll8mt

Hwaj5300