Remembering The Drifters Trivia Quiz

Answer: Clyde McPhatter

Clyde McPhatter was singing lead with Billy Ward and The Dominoes when he decided to leave the group and form his own group which would become The Drifters. After leaving The Drifters he had a solo career that produced a few hits. He was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and again with the original Drifters in 1998.

Answer: Some Kind of Wonderful

With Ben E. King singing the lead vocal The Drifters' recording of "Some Kind of Wonderful" reached number 32 on the Billboard pop chart but did peak at number six on the R&B chart in 1961. Written by the legendary team of Gerry Coffin and Carole King the song was subsequently covered by such artists as Marvin Gaye and Michael Buble as well as Carole King herself. Grand Funk Railroad had a hit in 1975 with a different song of the same title.

Answer: Jingle Bells

The Drifters' slightly up-tempo recording of "White Christmas" opens with bass singer Bill Pinkney singing the song first. Then Clyde McPhatter repeats the song in his distinctive tenor with the entire group joining to sing the last line, ending with the tag line of "Jingle Bells". Their unique arrangement has been covered by Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Michael Buble and many others.

Answer: That your "tired feet were fireproof"

Strangely enough, The Drifters' version of "Under The Boardwalk" did not chart in the UK at all, but a cover version in 1982 by The Tom Tom Club peaked at number 22 on the UK chart. In the US it peaked at number four on the Billboard singles chart. Bruce Willis covered the song, with backup vocals by The Temptations, in his album "The Return of Bruno".

Answer: 1988

The Drifters entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the "Performers" class along with The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Supremes in 1988. Clyde McPhatter, their original lead singer, was inducted as a solo artist in the previous year.

Answer: Jay and The Americans

Ben E. King was the lead singer of The Drifters when "This Magic Moment" was released in 1960. The song was written by the legendary team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The Drifters' recording peaked at number 16 in 1960. The cover by Jay and The Americans, led by lead singer Jay Black, was more successful as it peaked at number six in March of 1969.

Answer: True

In 2004 Rolling Stone listed The Drifters at number 81 on their "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". They've also been named as "Songwriter's Friends" by the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. It's an honor bestowed upon artists who have recorded songs by members of that Hall.

Answer: Ruby Baby

Dion also covered another Drifters' hit: "Drip, Drop". "Ruby Baby" was written by the legendary team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Billy "Crash" Craddock had a country hit with his cover of the song as well.

Answer: hot dogs and french fries

Rudy Lewis was to be the lead singer on "Under The Boardwalk" but he died the night before the scheduled session. Johnny Moore, who had sung with the group previously, was brought back and the session took place as scheduled.

Answer: down the line

Rolling Stone magazine ranked "There Goes My Baby" at number 196 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". It is widely thought to be the first rock and roll record to employ a string section. Legendary producer Phil Spector credits this record as the inspiration for his "Wall of Sound" production method.