Clyde McPhatter was a pivotal figure in the evolution of R&B and soul music, whose significant influence laid groundwork for the genre's future stars. Born on November 15, 1932, in Durham, North Carolina, McPhatter's pure, high tenor voice and emotive vocal style became his hallmarks. Before embarking on a successful solo career, he first gained fame as the lead singer of Billy Ward and his Dominoes in the early 1950s. However, his most enduring legacy would be as the founder and lead vocalist of The Drifters, with whom he recorded several hit records, including "Money Honey," which is often cited as one of the first rock and roll records.

After leaving The Drifters, McPhatter's solo career soared throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, marked by hits such as "A Lover's Question" and "Lover Please." His work during this period solidified his standing as a key architect of the soul music genre, blending gospel, R&B, and pop into a sound that prefigured the work of legends like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. Despite struggles with personal issues and changing public tastes leading to a decline in his commercial success later in life, his impact on the music industry remained undeniable. McPhatter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 1987, a testament to his enduring contributions to American music. Clyde McPhatter's legacy lives on through collections like "The Music You Need," "All Time Favorites: Clyde McPhatter," and "Lover Please/The Complete MGM & Mercury Singles," preserving the essential recordings that showcase his profound impact on popular music.

Genres

Doo-wop

Rhythm And Blues

Latest Release

The Music You Need

Clyde McPhatter

Single - Released December 3, 2022