Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Clyde McPhatter

Role / Field:

Iconic R&B and Soul tenor, pivotal in shaping doo-wop and early rock and roll sounds.

Born:

1931-11-15

Died:

1972-06-13

Century / Era:

1931s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Clyde Lensley McPhatter (November 15, 1932 – June 13, 1972) was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll singer. He was one of the most widely imitated R&B singers of the 1950s and early 1960s and was a key figure in the shaping of doo-wop and R&B. McPhatter's high-pitched tenor voice was steeped in the gospel music he sang much of his early life. He was the lead tenor of the Mount Lebanon Singers, a gospel group he formed as a teenager.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was later the lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes and was largely responsible for the initial success of the group. After his tenure with the Dominoes, McPhatter formed his own group, the Drifters, and later worked as a solo performer. He was 39 when he died, had been alcoholic and depressed for years, and was, according to Jay Warner's On This Day in Music History, "broke and despondent over a mismanaged career that made him a legend but hardly a success". McPhatter left a legacy of over 22 years of recordings. He was the first artist to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first as a solo artist and later as a member of the Drifters.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Subsequent double and triple inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1931 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1931
• November 15 (11-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 15
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• June 13 (06-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 13

Frequently Asked Questions about Clyde McPhatter