The Platters

The Platters, led by the powerful vocals of Tony Williams and the feminine touch of Zola Taylor, rose to fame in the 1950s under the guidance of manager Buck Ram. Ram's strategic moves, such as securing a deal with Mercury Records and emphasizing Williams as the lead vocalist, propelled the group to success with hits like "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." Despite legal battles over the band's name in later years, original member Herb Reed eventually regained rights and continued performing with a new lineup in the 2010s, releasing an album that included Grammy Hall of Fame songs.

Buck Ram's mentorship transformed the Platters from a standard doo-wop group into one of the most enduring acts of the rock & roll era. With Ram's songwriting prowess and the group's distinctive sound, they became known for their romantic and sophisticated style, topping both the pop and R&B charts. After the departure of lead singer Tony Williams in 1961, the group went through various lineup changes and legal disputes before original member Herb Reed reestablished the band in the 2010s, releasing new music and continuing the legacy of the Platters.