The Drifter Wars (Process Of Elimination)

Spurred on by recent events with the declaration by ABCs The View during a broadcast where it was claimed that Drifters Legend Charlie Thomas was the only original Drifter alive. Subsequently casting a shadow on the legitimacy of any other bonified member in the brand's history who is still alive today, has brought into play some questions about whether the custodians of the Drifters name care about the historical accuracy in such a statement by a media company who's broadcast are far-reaching and have the potential of damaging not only other legitimate members in the marketplace,

but there own immediate interest. This also fits into the pattern of the continuing Drifter Wars process of elimination. Already the former 3rd golden age members have been locked out of the  marketplace on both sides of the Atlantic. Drifters Legends Rick Sheppard has recently felt the pinch due to the latest broadcast in the media. Meanwhile, the pirates continue to fill the void. In reality, who's interest does all of this serve? No one but those who hijack The Drifters name for their own self-gain. It's also apparent that Mr Thomas and his handlers clearly are not concerned about the historical accuracy of their claims and it also apparent that the name will suffer further damage from the distortion of the historical truth and the lack by those who have legitimate concerns to mount resources towards correcting and join those who have the right interest at heart.

Corner Talk Report (Butch Leake)

Rebuttal To The View..(Jukebox)

In rebuttal to your recent screening on the View of Drifters 

Legend Charlie Thomas aired on 7/27/2015. It has been claimed that Mr. Thomas distinctly holds the title as the only original Drifter alive today and subsequently all who may have legitimate claim to some form of the history are phonies. The fact is not taken away from Mr. Thomas credential as one of the Legends of The Drifters It is impossible for him being the only original member as all of the originals have passed on. 

The last being Bill Pinkney who passed away July 4, 2007). Charlie Thomas does hold the distinction of being the last of the original Crowns group who were brought in to replace the original Drifters at the Apollo theater in 1958 when then owner and manager of the Drifters George Treadwell fired the group and replace them with the Crowns. They then became the classic group of the 60s. This has been declared one of the principal golden ages of the Drifters. Yet in reality there were three golden ages of Drifters and Drifter songs. Starting with Clyde McPhatter back in 1953, Ben E. king who also was a member of the Crowns along with Mr. Thomas who some called this period Ben E. King and The Drifters 1958-64. Though Mr. King for the most part did not perform with the group on tour. His voice was used for many of the classic Drifter songs of the period along with Rudy Lewis and Johnny Moore. Another recording member who sang with Mr. Thomas and was brought in to replace Rudy Lewis in 1966 by then manager George Treadwell is Rick Sheppard and is alive and performing in his own review.Rick currently holds a Canadian trademark for the Drifters name.Then there is the third golden age of Drifters and Drifter songs after the Atlantic record period now the Bell Arista Record period who managed to produce 13 Billboard hits from 1972 till the late 80s headed by Johnny Moore, Butch Leake Bill Fredricks Grant Kitchings, Joe Blunt and Clyde Brown. Three lineup members are still alive from this period. The fact is the Drifters have had more than 60 members who have come through its lineup since 1953. The claim to an original member can only be designated to the period that a member served in the three golden song periods. Yes all the members mentioned are recording members of the Legendary brand.The trademark to the Drifters brand is still owned by theTreadwell family and licensed worldwide by PMG Music UK.For historical references on the Drifters log into

http://www.thedrifterslegendsclubhouse.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedrifterslegendsclubhouse/

or write to: thedrifterslegendsclubhouse@gmail.com

Read the latest comments over at The Drifters Legends Clubhouse

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedrifterslegendsclubhouse/

D Legends Universe Magazine (Third Golden Music Era)

Coming Soon D Legends Universe International Fan Club Magazine Issue No 4

by Butch Leake

The Drifters Legends History, Music and Photographic Legacy by Butch Leake

This is a historical magazine dedicated to the body of work that has been left and the men who came through the ranks of the brand during different periods of its tumultuous history. Here you will find all that is authentic in the history of The Legends, the people and organizations that spawned the formation of this musical dynasty that has lasted over 6 decades. This issue focuses on in part

The Third Golden Age period of Drifter music, The Atlantic Golden Age Music Writers, Drifters Legend Rudy and much more.

Visit the bookstore at http://www.blurb.com/user/store/VENTURA11

D Legends Universe Magazine (Only In America)

Coming Soon D Legends Universe International Fan Club Magazine Issue No 3
by Butch Leake
The Drifters Legends History, Music and Photographic Legacy by Butch Leake
This is a historical magazine dedicated to the body of work that has been left and the men who came through the ranks of the brand during different periods of its tumultuous history. Here you will find all that is authentic in the history of The Legends, the people and organizations that spawned the formation of this musical dynasty that has lasted over 6 decades.
Visit The Book Store at http://www.blurb.com/user/store/VENTURA11

(CORNER TALK REPORT)