USA vocal group formed in Los Angeles in 1952. They were one of the most successful vocal groups of the early rock and roll era. The act went through several personnel changes, with the most successful incarnation comprising lead tenor Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and Zola Taylor. The group had 40 charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart between 1955 and 1967, including four number-one hits. The Platters were one of the first African-American groups to be accepted as a major chart group and were, for a period of time, the most successful vocal group in the world. Originally managed by Ralph Bass, they were later managed by songwriter Buck Ram. Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 (Performer).
Original line-up (1952-53): Alex Hodge, Cornell Gunter, David Lynch, Joe Jefferson, Gaynel Hodge.
Later line-up (1953+): Tony Williams, Zola Taylor, Paul Robi, David Lynch, Herb Reed.