The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/The charting Years

After many years now the Drifters are back in the UK
charts and have been holding there for fourteen weeks.

Sony music who now holds the Bell/Arista recording
that were popular back in the 70s and 80s has released
a new CD Album titled "up On The Roof" The very best
of the Drifters which includes early 60s tracks along
with the popular Bell/Arista cuts to include two new
tracks featuring the current Drifters lineup.

The Drifters for the most part have been a hit makeing
machine for better than a half century now and seem
to be getting stronger even in this current time
of new age music, Hip Hop and R&B/Pop styles.

The new lineup comes with a much lighter sound which
is more in line with todays younger generation with
a little luck should catapulte the act into the future.

Below we compare the hit making years.

Top ten hits of The Drifters on Billboard's Rhythm &
Blues Charts during the Clyde McPhatter era include:

Atlantic Discography

Money Honey.................... 1953 #1

Lucille............................... 1954 #7

Such a Night...................... 1954 #5

Honey Love........................ 1954 #1

White Christmas................ 1955 #3

What'cha Gonna Do........... 1955 #8


Billboard's pop music chart shows the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits from 59/64

There Goes My Baby........ 1959 #2

Dance With Me................ 1959 #15

This Magic Moment......... 1959 #16

Save The Last Dance........ 1960 #1
For Me

I Count The Tears............. 1960 #17

Please Stay........................ 1961 #14

Sweets for My.................... 1961 #16
Sweets

When My Little Girl.......... 1961 #28
Is Smiling

Up on the Roof.................. 1962 #5

On Broadway..................... 1963 #9

I'll Take You Home............. 1963 #25

Under The Boardwalk........ 1964 #4

Saturday Night At.............. 1964 #18
The Movies

UK Pop music chart show the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits 74/75/76

Bell/Arista Discography

I'm Feeling Oh So................ 1974 #2
Sad

Like Sister and..................... 1973 #2
Brother

Kissin In The Back............... 1974 #2
Row

Love Games.......................... 1975 #33

Down On The Beach............ 1974 #7

Say Goodby To..................... 1974 #7
Angelina

The Cut Is Deep................... 1975 #33

The Songs We Use............... 1975 #7

Your more than a number.....1976 #5

in My Little Red Book

There Goes My First Love.......1975 #3

For more information you can log into http://theofficialdrifters.com

Be sure to keep up with our latest blog info here at Corner Talk Report

and for further info log into C.T.R. Network info over on facebook

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/Life Under The Brand

It should be clear by this day in time to those who have
followed the Drifters over the years that we are working
with a brand name which in many ways is like any other
name that has become synonymous with what the product is about.


Re-branding is the creation of a new name, term, symbol,
design, or a combination of them for an established brand with the intention of developing a differentiated (new) position in the mind of stakeholders and competitors.

However, the main reason for a re-brand is to communicate
a new message for a company, something that has evolved,
or the new board of directors wish to communicate.

Prism Music Group who now holds the worldwide licensing
and management of the group has worked tirelessly in
re-branding the name after much abuse and misuse by former
members, fake groups and even the original management over
the years.

Yet most fail to realize that the Drifters for the most
part started with much of that concept in mind from the
very start.

Back in the early year of 1954 when the name was acquired by
then the Legendary George Treadwell who at that time managed
such great stars as Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday and
Sarah Vaughn the group was managed then through a New York
corporation Drifters Inc.that he formed that same year.

Though Mr. Treadwell owned all the stock in the company,
he managed the company with his two partners, Irving
Nahan and Louis Lebish. Mr Lebish acted as accountant
and bookkeeper for The Drifters Incorporated.

The Entertainment side of the business was handled
by Treadwell and was assisted by his wife Fayrene
and Irving Nahan.

Working together they exercise complete artistic
control over the group. They hired and fired singers who
performed under the name, paid them salaries, selected all
the music and arrangement and over all made the musical
and business decisions relating to live performances and
recording contracts.

In 1959, The Drifters inc. amended it's Certificate of
incorporation whereas George Treadwell, Lewish Lebish and
Irving Nahan became equal owners of the corporation.

Fay Treadwell inherited her husband's stock in the company
in 1967. She later brought out Nahan and Lebish shares and
around 1970, she became the sole shareholder of the
Drifters incorporated.

Though much of this concept still exist on and into this
day and time, it had fostered many problems with it's
members over mismanagement, payment issues and the right
to be called a Drifter.

Members found themselves forced to form hybrid groups
under the trade name even though they signed agreements
barring them from doing so.

This in turn created more fake groups over the years and
pirate promoters who jumped in to capitalize on the goodwill
of the name.

For more information you can log into http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road/The Generation Gap....

As you know the Drifters is an on going success story and they are
now performing to thousands of new generation fans across the UK.
Non like yesteryear of cost they are attracting a much younger
fan base and this is by design to secure the future of the group
for years to come.

Not all is happy with this particularly from the earlier generations
who remember the group as it was from the 80s on backward through
the earlier years.

The United Kingdom for the most part has been the home for the group since
the early 70s. It has always maintained a solid fan base which has supported
the act over the years and continues to do so today.

One might argue is the quality the same and there seems to be a lot of mixed
opinion about that.Surely the Drifters of old had those solid strong voices
with that signature base voice and lead sound which became the hallmark of
the groups success over the many hit songs that we loved.

The young generation of today have been brought up on a much lighter sound
of music than the days when the Atlantic, Motown,Philly and Bell Records
ruled the air waves.

The Drifters of yesterday some how managed to cross most music categories
from Gospel, R&B on into Popular, yet always maintained that signature
sound that it was noted for.

In my belief the mixed opinion or might one say the generation gap will
always exist.

Back in the US former members of the group The Original Recording Artist
The Drifters Legends are set to return to the stage in 2012. This should
be an interesting contrast between old and new and may turn out to be a
good thing as far as history goes.

Foundation must be present to build into the future. Without it you can
find yourself with a crumbling house without leg to stande on. Jazz,
Country, Blues, Rock n Roll, R&B no matter what musical innovation
you come up with (is what it is) "The Root"

After a half of century or more The Drifters is a brand name now with more
than 60 or more singers coming through it's lineup. Some who were very
significant and those who are just a short foot note in it's history.
All in all the Drifters have a very lush history that will go down in
the annuals of history for all time.

Currently The Drifters Legends are Rick Sheppard, Butch Leake, Joe Blunt,
and Clyde Brown all of which are the original Recording Artist who along
with the Legendary Johnny Moore sang on some of the Drifters greatest hits
from the Atlantic years through Bell/Arista period.

The Drifters now are Michael Williams, Damion Charles, Ryan King and
Carlton Powell.

In the United States two more former Drifter members still perform with
there Drifters shows Charlie Thomas an Bobby Hendricks.
To include a number of fake groups who trade on the name illegally.

The Drifters and The Drifters Legends are currently managed by PMG
(Prism Music Group) Who whole the worldwide license for acts and
the Drifters name is still owned by the Treadwell family.

For more information on the Drifters and the Drifters Legends you can
log into http://theofficialdrifters.com Over on facebook there are the
Drifters and Drifters Legends pages and my notes a definitive history
on the Drifters Legends on the Butch Leake facebook page.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road

Well how are you guys out there sorry for being away for
so long. Been busy restructuring my online activities...

This writing begins my series of articles titled
The Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road.

In any respect many of you out there have been asking
me what is the on going situation with the Drifters Legends
as far as debut and up and coming tour dates.

Well it looks as if 2012 will be the launch period for Legends
tours. That will be kick off with a tour with the current lineup
of Drifters..... Which will repeat the success of the London
02 Arena show back in 2009.

There had been speculation that The Original Recording Artist
The Drifters Legends were coming to Las Vegas this year but
as of date that has been put on hold until political issues are
resolved, well that's the way things go in show business sometime.

A bit of good news as of this blog the CD Album "up On The Roof"
The Very Best of The Drifters has gone gold and has remained 14
weeks on the chart...

Recently myself and the rest of the Legends group have been
discussing strategies for the future to include New Photo sessions
and public relation options. So you should see more activity from
us soon...

As far as the official Drifter group in Europe they continue to perform
to sellout audiences throughout the UK and have worked hard at promoting
the current CD Album. For more on the great work they are doing log
into facebook and visit there page. You also can log into the official drifters
website at http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

Here in the US the pirate groups continue to do there thing so what you
see is not what you get at the best. We will continue to expose those who
claim to be and are not.

Above a mini documentary outlining where things are to date and some
of the plans for 2012 presented by Treadwell & PMG (Prism Music Group)
Produced by Bomark Studios UK.

Don't forget you can log into C.T.R. Network information for other news
and updates over on facebook and other activities in my online Network
at http://facebook.com/BUTCHLEAKE

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT

Lady Gaga
Saturday the 16th April........

Here chilling in Starbucks listening to Whitney Houston's "Call me Tonight" from the Album "I Look To You". What a great song! It's just what I needed to
get through this wet and dreary night in New York's big apple.

Yes I'm a big Whitney Houston fan, and must admit I'm in love with this woman's voice. Trust me when Whitney sings, she knows what she is singing about.

On another note as you know the Drifters are back in the charts after 35yrs.
The new lads in Europe are currently holding at #12 on the official UK chart and with a little luck they will move up a notch in the coming week.

Most of you know the group has gone through some personnel changes, like what's new with the Drifters! that's been part of of it style since it's inception.

Spoke to Reese Cannon the other day, he's doing well for you UK fans who miss
him in the groups lineup. What of the Legends? that is the Drifters Legends myself and the guys speak frequently with each other and currently planning on getting together in the coming weeks to discuss music matters...... For updates you can log in here at Corner Talk Report or jump over to the Legends page over on Facebook.

The Drifters official web site over all keeps things in perspective. The address there http://theofficialdrifters.com/.

Rolling Stones recent special collectors edition has named The Drifters in the 100 greatest artist of all times category.

In other news Actor Samuel L. Jackson is gearing up to play the role of Martin
Luther King here on Broadway. He's played many memorable characters on screen, but now Samuel L. Jackson will portray a legend on stage.

It has been noted that Lady Gaga lately has been looking a little different but the pop superstar wants to let everyone know it's not because of any plastic surgery.

The Bieber has called it quits for a little while as far as Twitterverse goes.
The young star says he needs a little time to him self. It seems the social network has taken it's tole on him for the moment.....

Well that's it! need to get out of here and go and check out the movie scene. Will let you know what's looking promising in the coming weeks......

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

CINDY & HARRY/A NIGHT WITH THE DRIFTERS

UP ON THE ROOF/The very best of The Drifters

CTR News Flash....

In the UK after 35years The Drifters are in the charts again. With the release by Sony Music the CD titled "Up On The Roof" The very best of The Drifters Entered the UK charts at No. 19 and now has moved to No 17. The CD Features two new tracks titled "Dream Of Me" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" along with classic hits from the 60s and 70s of the group. The Drifters after many years of declining popularity due to misrepresentation of the name and pirate groups have begun the climb back to superiority that the group was once noted for.

For info click on the title link above or log into www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

FIRST LOVES

New CD release First Loves featuring The Bell/Arista Drifters..

It was the early 70s when the Drifters left there original recording home Atlantic Record and signed with Bell/Arista in the UK and created these classics......

To purchase these great classics log into the title link above....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE ART OF BUTCH LEAKE

Here is a brief collection of some of the paintings by the Artist....

Fine illustrations in pastels done over the years featuring the
many looks of The Drifters as they evolve over the years
since 1953....

Most of these art samples, paintings and photography's by the artist
can be downloaded over at Payloadz by clicking on the Payloadz
link to the right.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DRIFTERS LEGENDS REUNION

From left to right- Rick Sheppard/Joe Blunt/Butch Leake

June 14 2010 Drifters Legends Rick Sheppard, Joe Blunt and Butch Leake
came together for a reunion at the New Yorker Hotel in downtown Manhattan.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Drifters history these three men
are the link between two of the Golden periods of the Drifters history...

It was in 1972 that the Drifters then under the management of Drifters
incorporated left the original home Atlantic records and signed with UK
Record company Bell/Arista.

It was in early 1970 that Butch Leake replaced Rick Sheppard who was featured in
the 60s lineup to bring in the next golden period of the group.

Christmas 1975 Butch Leake leaves the group to embark on a solo career and
in steps Joe Blunt to carry on the Bell/Arista years.....

Recently in 2009 both Butch and Joe received Life Time Achievement Awards
from Sony Music for there contribution to the Bell/Arista Label during the 70s.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#2

This is a C.T.R. news brief hosted by
Butch Leake for Corner Talk Report....
Copyright 2010 Butch Leake Productions.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

C.T.R. NEWS BRIEF#1

This is a C.T.R. news brief featuring the debut release the Drifters
new single recording "DO YOU DREAM OF ME" produced at
Bomark studios England UK....
For information log into www.theofficialdrifters.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

DRIFTERS AND LEGENDS

Recently The Drifters and The Drifter Legend got together for a prestigious
show at London's o2 Arena Celebrating 55Years that the Drifters organization
has been going....

It featured the current lineup of members under the Treadwell Organization
an featured former lineup members from days gone by......

Lifetime achievement awards were presented by Neil Martin of Sony Music
along with writer Roger Greenway to Butch Leake an Joe Blunt from the
70s lineup of the group...

It also marked the first recording from the group in over 30 years......

Absent from the Legends lineup was Bobby Hendricks of the Clyde Mcphatter
days who could not attend because of illness in the family.....

Photo: The Drifters and Legends in photo op back stage dressing room.......

For info Log into the official drifters website by clicking on the title above.....

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE DRIFTERS/SACRIFICE

The Drifters will release there first single in over 30 years.

The current lineup will release a version of Sir Elton Johns Sacrifice with
proceeds to be donated to UK based HIV+/AIDS Charity MildMay.

MildMay have pioneered care and treatment for HIV+AIDS patients in the UK and overseas for the last two decades and the charity leads the world in the treatment and rehabilitation of HRBI (HIVRelated Brain Impairment) at their East London Hospital, which is well known for the famous visit of the late Princess Diana.

The Sacrifice track Produced by Shaun Lowe at Neon Records will be officially released on the 28th of June to coincide with The Drifters featuring The Drifters Legends Show at the Indigo 02 Arena.

PRE-ORDER NOW at http://www.7digital.com/artists/the-drifters/sacrifice/

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

WHO'S WHO WITH THE DRIFTERS

The Legendary Atlantic Bell/Arista group is currently in it's 55th year as an
entity. A dynasty which started in early 1953 an has endured these many years
as one of the most unusual music stories in the history of musical entertainment.

Spawned by the vision of George Treadwell an Ahmet Ertegun and the 1953
original lineup of Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pickney, Andrew (Bubba) and Gerhart Thrasher.

The Drifters have had over 60 or more members who have grace it's lineup
over the past 55 years. Some more significant than others, those that made it
to records, books, television an other media and those who never saw the light
of day pass one show or so.

The Drifters an it's organization have had three golden periods and 5 significant
lineups throughout it's history.

Currently there are a handful of Original members respective of the eras they
came in who are still around.

Bobby Hendricks, Johnny Terry, Ben E King, Charlie Thomas, Rick Sheppard
Butch Leake, Clyde Brown, Joe Blunt and Billy Lewis.

These men are some of the Legends that are still with us....

In the UK a new group which you can say will bring in with success, the forth
golden period under the Treadwell family name who owns the service mark,
are performing to sell out audiences and are set to release some new songs
for this period....

It was during the early 70s that Faye Treadwell the Widow of the Legendary
George Treadwell brought then the line up of Johnny Moore, Butch Leake, Bill
Fredricks and Grant Kitchings to the UK and signed with the Bell/Arista label.

That signing spawned the Hits "Kissin in the Backrow of the Movies, "There
Goes My First Love" "Love Games" "Like Sister And Brother" Which topped
the British and European charts throughout the 70s.

After 1974, there were to be replacements for the original Bell group with
Clyde Brown replacing Bill Fredricks and Billy Lewis replacing Grant Kitchings.

At the end of 1975, Butch Leake is replaced by Joe blunt.

It was the linup of Johnny Moore, Clyde brown, Joe Blunt and Billy Lewis
that are noted for "More Than A Number In My Little Red Book"

After this period a number of replacement were in an out up through the 90s
with Johnny at one period attempting a new solo career which was short lived.

Both Bill Fredricks an Butch Leake went on to solo careers in the UK and Europe.

Grant Kitchings returned to the United States an joined the Legendary Ink Spots.

After a number of legal battles in the USA & UK. The Drifters LLC is owned by the original Treadwell family Headed By Tina Treadwell the daughter of Faye and George Treadwell.

The World wide Licensing right is controled by PMG Music & Entertainment UK.

For more information go to www.theofficialdrifters.com or click on the title above
who's who with The Drifters.........

Butch Leake.........

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

THE LEGACY OF THE 70s

Soon to be posted, a new website "The Legacy Of The 70s" dedicated to the history of
the Original Bell Recording Group The Drifters authored by Butch Leake soul surviving
member of the original lineup. The group pass, present and future has been an on going
story with much controversy, yet one of the most interesting subjects in the history
of musical entertainment. The current lineup under the guidance of PMG entertainment
England is the latest in official Drifter lineups spawned by the Treadwell music family, the
owner of the service and trade name. Why the Legacy Of The 70s? The 70s was a pivotal
point in the revival of the act which went into decline towards the end of the 60s. It was
in the early 70s, which happened to be the third golden era that management signed with
the Bell Arista group which produce a series of hit songs which topped the British an
European music charts during this period. Drifter fans world wide huddle on social sites
on the internet and discuss stories about there favorite Drifter lineup. The attempt here
is just to create a down to earth link to authentic Drifter Histology, hosting interviews,
comments and data on this great music dynasty.

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

BUTCH LEAKE IN THE UK

Butch Leake is now in the UK the former member of the Bell Recording group
The Drifters is there to celebrate the 55th anniversary an the history of the group.

He will perform live on stage with the current Drifters lineup at selected shows on
there Sacrifice tour throughout the UK. For more information you can click on the
title link above or go to the (theofficialdrifters.com)

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

SUMMER FEST ARTIST GALLERY 2008/Photos by Butch Leake

MARVELETTS
G.VEASLEY
YOUNG STEFF
DANIELIA COTTON
2 UNIC

CHAMPAIGN
THE DRIFTERS
RICK SHEPPARD

J&R SUMMER FEST NY 2008

A rainy day but the show went on at J&R Music World Summer Fest
in the City Hall Park lower Manhattan NY.

J&R Summer Fest 2008 was sponsored by Canon/ WBLS Radio/ Fox 5/ Madame
Tussauds and The City of New York.

Hosted by WBLS, the beautiful Champaign..

Featured artist were The Drifters featuring Rick Sheppard/ Rhonda Franklyn
and the new Marveletts/ Southern Rock singer Danielia Cotton / Jazz Musician
Gerald Veasley/ 2 Unic / Rappers T team / Maino and Young Steff.

The show got of with a bang featuring the smooth jazz sounds of Gerald Veasley....

Next to hit the stage was a new artist by the name of Danielia Cotton singing her
new single Rare Child... www.myspace.com/danieliacotton
Danielia labels herself as a Black latin Jew who sings Southern Rock. She has an
incredible vocal range with a touch of Janis Joplin.

Too beautiful sister from the Caribbean, 2 Unic graced the the day with
there Island sounds......

For the younger crowd, rappers T team/ Maino and Young Steff doing his New
single Professional.....

A new incarnation of the Marveletts featuring Rhonda Franklyn graced the stage
Followed by Rick Sheppard and his Drifters Group to top off the evening.

Rick Sheppard is one of the last singers out of the Atlantic Recording Group
The Drifters along with Charlie Thomas. Butch Leake replaced Rick in early
1970. (CORNER TALK REPORT)

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 70s/Interview with Butch Leake

Why the 70s? In my opinion was one of the great periods for music which
inspired the heart an soul. The songs that were written had great substance non
like to days music which consist of beats with no solid story line...

They are not producing any great songwriters like yesteryear. We were very fortunate
back then to have songwriters like Roger Greenway who in my opinion is one of the
best writers who came out of the period...

God only knows where the Drifters would have been if it wasn't for the Greenway
writing team. Greenway was a big fan of the Drifters. So a marriage was made in heaven
teaming up with Greenway Productions......

You might say I personally became a Greenway fan as far as the songs go....
So this is why I chose to cover some of those great songs which the group recorded.

You might ask do I have issues about the politics of that time, the answer to that is yes,
but I will stop short of being bitter. Those matters will be addressed most likely in time.

At this time life moves on, an yes I'm in control and prepared to deal with what ever
challenges come my way. So all of those out there who have any negative plans read
this line again......

Will you be returning to great Britain? Most definitely, England is like home to me
I lived there for many years. My former wife is buried there, an if for only that reason
I will visit.

I will be going there to lay the ground work for returning to the stage after completing
entertaining matters here in the US.

What of the the new Treadwell Drifter group over there now. Well! They do what they
do I do what i have to do.... Remember I am the only original member out of the Bell
Record group who is alive. Know one can erase that fact.

The rest of the members were replacements.........

In any respect I'm not trying to be the Drifters or a tribute act. The reality once a
Drifter the stigma is forever attached to you........ (CORNER TALK REPORT)