THE GOLDEN YEARS (The Drifters1953/1975

For Drifter fans worldwide it must be frustrating with all the confusing arguments on
ownership of names an who has a right to be called a drifter. The remaining fact is
the groups legacy is one of historical value for future generations to come.....
I for one grew up as a fan an lover of Drifter music an was very fortunate to have been
able perform with the legendary organization. As an insider I can say my love for all
the players in this saga of American music history is profoundly sincere. The principal
players that particularly of the artist that truly made the legend what it is today are
the benefactors as that of the public who loved an supported the music over the
Golden periods of the groups history. For some Clyde Mcphatter, Johnny Moore,
Ben E King, Rudy Lewis, Bill Pickney and Charlie Thomas symbolized what the
group was all about, yet all came in different eras of the history of it's music. As of
myself along with Johnny Moore, Bill Fredricks and Grant Kitchings who symbolized
the third Golden period under the guidance of the Treadwell Family who have been
significant custodians of this tradition in the many years of it's existence. Now not
being particularly fond of the inside issues that surrounded the running of this
organization and we all had our issues an ego problems unto today. Its non the less
important for the fans to understand know matter what part of the Golden years you
embrace an there are three that are significant at this day in time, each period supported
an perpetuated the on going life and the history for decades to come.

Currently at this moment the Drifters name is being re-branded for future generations
as the name has somewhat been tarnished by the spawning of hybrid groups here an
abroad. Leading this effort is PMG (Prism Music Group) out of London.

For more information on this effort go to www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

EXPLOITATION/TRUTH IN MUSIC

Someone asked me the other day aren't you to young to have been with
The Drifters and why are there so many drifter groups around?

Obvious they all could not have really been The Drifters or that of the original
group from the 50s.
Now of cost the answer to that is yes, but you must ask what period are you talking
about and which songs are you referring to. As there are many......
Songs like Steamboat and Money Honey, you have to leave to the early 50s era.
Yet some of the greatest songs of the group were in the latter 50s through 60s
into the 70s.

By the 70s the lineup had changed a few times, an over the years as many as fifty or
more members had entered to it's roster some more prominent that others.
There were those who were there for only one or two shows and then let go.

Many never made it to photo sessions, books and media in general.....

The 50s you didn't see black faces on album covers as that was taboo during the
racially charged period.

The question here why so many groups? The Drifters resemble the 70s group Menudo
in many respects with the ever changing lineup. The only difference Menudo
were young kids an only represented a certain age status with there fans which
were teen boppers. But the concept a method of exploitation....

The Drifters on the other hand much older yet the same concept exploitation...

Management not only represented the group but looked at itself as the group
with no distinction. Members were know more than payed employees with know
say so in there current future and were bound by there agreements with the
organization to be nothing after leaving.....

Yes there were exceptions like Ben E, King who went on to create a career of his own.

Out of all of this started the spiral of many groups with former members struggling
to survive in the music industry......as with so many other acts of the period.

It also created another industry of wannabe groups who's members had never had
any connection with the group and it's history at all....

The truth in music bill which has been circulating in the USA is a product of these
phony acts which are being produced.

But the real truth is the industry an it's federations really need to look at the root
causes of these problems an seek to lobby for legislation to protect artist from
such exploitation which everyone seems to turn a blind eye to. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

BUTCH LEAKE/THE LEGACY OF THE 70s

The Legacy of the 70s featurings the songs of Roger Greenway, Barry
Mason & Tony MaCauley. Soon to be repackaged under the banner of
Butch Leake, formally of the Bell Record Recording group The Drifters
which topped the British music charts during the 70s.

Butch is currently in the studio rehearsing a new musical extravaganza
featuring the songs of the period.

A CD is also in the works to be release to coincide with
the show.

Butch as you know is the only surviving member out of the
original transatlantic group which featured the late great Johnny Moore,
Grant Kitchings and Bill Fredricks. The show will also be designated
as a tribute to the late singers he worked with over those years.

Watch for schedules an forth coming dates and releases to be posted
here at Corner Talk Report. Send enquire's to butchleake@mac.com/

ENTERTAINMENT CO. BLINKS

The word has been unofficially circulating that the Drifters UK limited
has blinked in its on going battle with Treadwells Original Drifters LLC
over a Trademark dispute between the two parties.

Treadwell had filed a suit In the British High Court against The Drifters UK limited for Trademark infringement seeking to stop the use of the
name The Drifters, a group performing as The drifters and a website
used for it's promotion. The hearing were to take place sometime in march of 2008. Treadwell has argued the legal ownership of The Drifters
Trademark since the early 50s. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

VINTAGE PHOTO'S THE DRIFTERS 50s & 60s

For all you Drifter fans an group buffs out there. Here are a small collection of the
many photo's from a bygone era.....
It has been pointed out before there have been over 50 or more singers who have sang
with The Drifter's some never making it on photo sessions. NOTE: Photo of Billy Ward
and the Dominoes 3rd from top.........Butch Leake