Before fronting the original Drifters in 1953, Clyde McPhatter first hit the big time as a member of Billy Ward & the Dominoes from 1950-'53. Even though Ward was the figurehead and prime money maker in the band, it was McPhatter who soon became the star lead singer and one of the first crossover attractions in the pop world. His high-toned, pure, and soulful voice graced such Dominoes smashes as "Sixty Minute Man," "Have Mercy Baby," and "The Bells." Later hits on Atlantic, both with the Drifters and as a solo act, may ...
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Before fronting the original Drifters in 1953, Clyde McPhatter first hit the big time as a member of Billy Ward & the Dominoes from 1950-'53. Even though Ward was the figurehead and prime money maker in the band, it was McPhatter who soon became the star lead singer and one of the first crossover attractions in the pop world. His high-toned, pure, and soulful voice graced such Dominoes smashes as "Sixty Minute Man," "Have Mercy Baby," and "The Bells." Later hits on Atlantic, both with the Drifters and as a solo act, may have given McPhatter greater exposure, but it was those early Dominoes recordings that qualify as some of his best work. This 18-track collection of the band's King sides mixes several cuts featuring McPhatter with a handful spotlighting other group members. And even though most of the group's big hits can be found on other roundups, 18 Original Hits does include a wealth of highlights like "Do Something for Me," "Harbor Lights," and "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano," not to mention a couple of nice vocal leads by Little Esther. A must for McPhatter fans. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
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