Who We Are?
The Platters are here. They are always here. In truth, the most famous American vocal group is insuperable, like their everlasting calling card — the timeless “Only You.”
Of course, the original vocalists are no longer here. But one should remember the original lineup — built around the voice of the first group leader Tony Williams — has often changed as well.
And this has been the case since the 1960s. Over the last 50 years, more than 100 artists have been Platters. It's not easy to get, often very strong, personalities to work together.
However, what keeps the Platters image alive is the talent of the big crooners, who at some point in their lives, had the desire to perform "The Great Pretender", to vocalise "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," or to sing "My Prayer" ever so gently.
The Platters emerged from Los Angeles in 1952. Six in number, including Herb Reed who is credited with having chosen the group name. Four albums later, under the management of Ralph Bass at Federal Records, the group still had problems taking off.
Then along came the type of man that is sent by providence. His name was Buck Ram, he was an impresario by trade from Chicago. He changed the lineup built around the golden voice of Tony Williams. David Lynch, Paul Robi and Herb Reed — the base voice of the quartet — completed the formula.
Even the addition of a feminine touch —the personality of Zola Taylor— still didn’t suffice to launch them further toward success.
It's important to remember that the Beatles suffered numerous failures before embarking on the fabulous career that we all know.
The first release of Only You — originally written by Buck Ram for a vocal group called Ink Spots — couldn't find a single taker. The Platters record label had little confidence in the song and said it would never work, and refused to release the ballad.
Buck Ram and his group then moved to the Mercury label.
Bingo! “Only You” became the big hit of summer 1955. It hung on defiantly in the top 10 for seven weeks. This was an unprecedented event, in an America still blighted by racism and segregation.
The hit machine had begun, next came the legendary hit songs we all know. The Platters whirlwind was unleashed over the whole planet. No celebration, no surprise party, no evening of dance was complete without them. Not a single person escaped the Magic Touch.
The Platters were also set to make people dance in French: “Only You” became "Loin de vous" for Michèle Torr and François Deguelt. Even Ringo Starr, the Beatles' drummer, took to gently singing us his own version in 1974. Rock stars love the Platters. The late Freddie Mercury left the group Queen for a moment in 1987, to sing as “The Great Pretender” ; the piece was once again a great hit.
A supreme reward: in 1990, The Platters had the great honor of entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the famous museum in Cleveland reserved for the biggest stars ... of rock 'n roll.
During this time, the group had many different formations. Some ex-group members made their own way with the group's repertoire, sometimes accompanied by lawsuits for the use of the Platters brand name. Yet the formula which continues to dazzle the entire planet is the one put in place by the historic group leader Buck Ram — there are known as :
The Magic Platters.
“Etoile Productions” Company now holds the Magic Platters international rights, with this ability we have both the privilege and the joy of offering you their magical presence at your events. All you need do is ask!
Ten times on World Tour
The Magic Platters just keep on touring. Quite simply, they have travelled to all four corners of the globe. They have no set audience; they are loved by each and every kind of audience.
On Stage
They have featured in the biggest jazz festivals
On Tour
In sum, Magic Platters are “Heaven on Earth,” to use the words from one of their big hits.