The Platters

The Platters were a very successful doo wop group, formed in 1953. They first signed with Federal Records, but moved after meeting manager, producer and songwriter Buck Ram. They signed with Mercury Records and, under Ram's leadership, became one of the most popular African American singing groups of the time.

Changing lineup

The group's lineup has changed many times. The original lineup in 1953 was lead Cornell Gunter, bass Herb Reed, Alex Hodge, Joe Jefferson, and David Lynch. This lineup was shortlived- within a year, Hodge, Jefferson, and Gunter were out, and Paul Robi, Zola Taylor, and new lead Tony Williams were in. This lineup lasted until 1960. At that time Williams was replaced by Sonny Turner; Williams would later lead his own Platters group. Taylor was replaced in 1964- she would later lead a Platters group as well. Robi left in 1965, also later leader a splinter Platters group.

Related Topics:
1953 - Cornell Gunter - Herb Reed - Alex Hodge - Joe Jefferson - David Lynch - Paul Robi - Zola Taylor - Tony Williams - 1960 - Sonny Turner

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Herb Reed left in 1969, also leading a Platters group, with former Platter Nate Nelson, who had filled Robi's vacancy in 1967. Sonny Turner left in 1970 and was replaced by Monroe Powell. (Turner led his own Platters group starting in 2001). Powell remained the most constant member from 1970 to 1995. In 1995, a disupte between Powell and manager Jean Bennett (who took over for Buck Ram following his death) in 1995 led to the two parting ways. At the time, the group's lineup was in limbo, leaving one person, Kenn Johnson, as the only other group member. Powell and Johnson continued touring as The Platters, with Bennett hiring a new "Buck Ram Platters" with lead Tyrone Sweet.

Related Topics:
1969 - Nate Nelson - 1970 - Monroe Powell - 2001 - 1995 - Jean Bennett - Kenn Johnson - Tyrone Sweet

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In 2003, Powell's group had lost three of its members. One of the many Platters splinter groups, the Amazing Platters, merged into the group. The group's lineup as of 2005 is Powell, Johnson,

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Wilson Williams (who has been in the group since 1998), and Amazing Platters newcomers Jessica Taylor and Robbie Robinson.

Related Topics:
Wilson Williams - Jessica Taylor - Robbie Robinson

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A number of legal challenges have existed between the many groups of Platters. Monroe Powell was sued by Jean Bennett, and his group must now include is name in billing (e.g. The Platters feat. Monroe Powell). Herb Reed lost in court the right to tour as "The Platters"- his group must now be billed as "Herb Reed's Platters".

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Herb Reed is the only member of the 1954-60 lineup whose group still tours. Many other groups, such as Sonny Turner's, Ritchie Jones' (member 1984-85), Milton Bullock's (member 1967-70), the late Paul Robi's (managed by his wife), and Jean Bennett's Platters, along with Monroe Powell's group, and several groups with no current ties to the original group (many contained former members that are now deceased).

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