Some songs are always in the back of your mind. You might not think about it all the time, but as soon as you hear the melody, it comes right back to your recollection. This applies to people all around the world when it comes to songs sang by The Platters.
There is just something special about songs from the era when rock and roll was just getting started. While you might not recognize the names of the band members, you may know their voices. Back in 1952, the Platters were at the top of their game as a highly successful singing group. They had a distinctive sound that was just right for the rock era.
Between 1955 and 1967, The Platters had a total of about 40 singles to hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which was a big deal. That number even included four songs that were number one on the chart. The Platters were the very first rock groups that were African American to gain acceptance.
Back then, The Platters were considered interesting because their line up changed as the years passed. They sang hit songs like “You’ve Got the Magic Touch,” “My Prayer,” “The Great Pretender,” and “Only You (And You Alone).” Songwriter Buck Ram was responsible for composing “Only You (And You Alone)” back in 1954, but it was released in 1955 after The Platters moved from Federal Records to Mercury Records. The first big hit they ever had was “Only You (And You Alone).”
The bass singer for The Platters, Herb Reed once said they had to sing “Only You (And You Alone)” many times before they finally created the successful version. He said they would rehearse all of the time. In fact, they developed part of the song while driving in a car. It happened when the car jerked while singing and Tony Williams’ voice said “Oohhhnly you.” Although it was funny, they ended up liking the sound of it. They ended up recording that version in the studio.
“Only You (And You Alone)” was so popular that it was covered by many other artists, including Ringo Starr (the Beatles drummer), Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison and Reba McEntire. While many have covered the song, nobody can ever match the sound of The Platters.