Before Motown ruled the airwaves and soul music became mainstream, there was The Drifters.

Their smooth harmonies and unforgettable hits like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Save the Last Dance for Me” defined an era.

Yet, behind the music lies a story of constant change, backstage conflicts, and a legacy that continues to evolve even in 2026.

This article explores the journey of The Drifters, from their formation to their enduring influence, and reveals the fates of the members who shaped their sound.

The Origins: Clyde McFatter and the Birth of The Drifters

To many music historians, The Drifters are synonymous with Clyde McFatter, even though his tenure with the group was brief.

Before forming The Drifters, McFatter was the lead tenor for Billy Ward and his Dominoes, where his gospel-trained falsetto drove their early success.

Despite his distinctive voice, McFatter often remained in the background, sometimes introduced as Clyde Ward, overshadowed by the group’s leader.

Everything changed in 1953 when Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun recognized McFatter’s talent.

After a dramatic search through New York bars, Ertegun convinced McFatter to form his own group.

The Drifters were born, blending gospel harmonies with rhythm and blues.

The first lineup, drawn from McFatter’s church circle, didn’t quite gel, leading to a second configuration that included Bill Pinkney, Andrew and Gerhart Thrasher, Willie Ferby, and Walter Adams.

Early Success and Turbulence

The Drifters struck gold with their first major hit, “Money Honey,” released as Clyde McFatter & The Drifters in September 1953.

The single launched them into national recognition, but success brought instability.

Lineup changes became frequent after accidents and deaths; roles were reshuffled to keep the group going.

Hits like “Such a Night,” “Honey Love,” “Bip Bam,” “White Christmas,” and “What You Gonna Do” established them as an R&B powerhouse.

McFatter’s draft notice in 1954 forced him to balance military service with his music career.

His last official release as a Drifter was “What You Gonna Do.”

After his service, McFatter launched a solo career, scoring 16 R&B hits and 21 pop chart entries.

Before leaving, he sold his ownership stake to manager George Treadwell, a decision that left future members earning meager wages despite producing hit records—a regret McFatter later admitted.

The Revolving Door: New Voices and Continued Hits

David Baughn replaced McFatter as lead, but his behavior unsettled Atlantic Records, and he soon departed.

Johnny Moore, formerly of the Hornets, stepped in, leading the group to further hits like “Adorable,” “Steamboat,” “Ruby Baby,” and “I Got to Get Myself a Woman.”

Despite ongoing chart success, internal frustrations grew as members earned only about $100 a week.

When Bill Pinkney requested higher wages, Treadwell fired him, prompting Andrew Thrasher to leave in solidarity.

Pinkney formed the Flyers, but ironically, lead singer Bobby Hendricks would later join The Drifters.

The lineup continued to shift, with Tommy Evans and Charlie Hughes stepping in. Despite instability, they achieved hits like “Fools Fall in Love.”

The Five Crowns and the New Drifters

In 1958, Treadwell fired the entire original group and replaced them with the Five Crowns, rebranding them as The Drifters.

The original members, led by Pinkney, fought to preserve their legacy, eventually securing rights to the name and forming their own touring group.

However, commercial success never matched their 1950s peak.

The new Drifters featured Ben E. King as lead, Charlie Thomas, Doc Green, and Ellbury Hobbs. With Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller producing, the group entered a golden era, releasing groundbreaking singles like “There Goes My Baby,” “Dance with Me,” “This Magic Moment,” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

Ben E. King’s voice became central to their legacy, but disputes over pay and royalties led him to pursue a solo career, scoring classics like “Stand by Me.”

Ongoing Changes and Tragedies

Rudy Lewis replaced King as lead, ushering in hits like “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Please Stay,” and “Up on the Roof.”

In 1964, Lewis died unexpectedly before recording “Under the Boardwalk,” prompting Johnny Moore to step in.

The song became a top 10 hit, but the group’s momentum slowed, and by the late 1960s, their chart dominance faded.

Turnover continued relentlessly. Charlie Thomas, the last Five Crowns-era member, left in 1967.

George Treadwell died unexpectedly, and his widow, Faye, took control, continuing performances but never recapturing earlier recording success.

By 1972, The Drifters left Atlantic Records, marking the end of their hit-making era.

Legal Battles and Legacy

The Drifters’ story became intertwined with legal disputes over the rights to the name.

Revival concerts and nostalgia tours sparked trademark battles, with the Treadwell estate ultimately prevailing.

“Truth in music” laws were passed to protect historic group names from unauthorized use.

International legal conflicts ensued, with the Treadwell family and Prism Music Group maintaining control in the UK.

The modern lineup continues to tour internationally, featuring new voices alongside Drifters legends.

Lifetime achievement awards and gold discs honor their contributions, and recent configurations have recorded new material on both Atlantic and Sony labels.

The Drifters in 2026: Who Remains?

By 2026, all classic era voices have passed on, but their influence endures:

– **Charlie Thomas** (1937-2023): Key voice of the golden era, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, passed away at 85.

– **Clyde McFatter** (1932-1972): Founder, his falsetto shaped early R&B, died at 39.

– **Bill Pinkney** (1925-2007): Architect of the group’s harmonies, fought to preserve the legacy, died at 81.

– **Ben E. King** (1938-2015): Lead singer in the late 1950s, solo star with “Stand by Me,” died at 76.

– **Johnny Moore** (1934-1998): Longest-serving member, lead on many 1960s hits, died at 64.

The Drifters are more than a group—they are a revolving legacy, a testament to resilience, harmony, and the enduring power of soul music.

Though the classic voices are gone, their songs and stories continue to inspire new generations.

The Drifters’ journey, marked by constant change, legal battles, and unforgettable music, remains one of the most remarkable in American pop history.