The Platters were a successful vocal group of the early rock and roll era. The group went through several personnel changes before hitting the charts, with the most successful formula comprising lead tenor Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor.
The Platters formed in Los Angeles in 1953. Initially, they only had one song recorded “Only You (And You Alone)“, that was not released by their music company.
Later on, they were persuaded that “Only You” had potential and re-record the song. Released in the summer of 1955, it became the group’s first Top Ten hit on the pop charts and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. The follow-up, “The Great Pretender“, exceeded the success of their debut and became the Platters’ first national no. 1 hit.
The Platters’ unique vocal style had touched a nerve in the music-buying public, and a string of hit singles followed, including three more national no. 1 hits.
Their lead female singer was Zola Taylor, from 1954 to 1962, when the group produced most of their popular singles. She is also remembered for being the second of Frankie Lymon‘s three wives. Zola Taylor was portrayed by Halle Berry in the 1998 film “Why Do Fools Fall in Love“.
Their no. 1 hits:
