Rhythm and Blues
He’s run out of money and hopes his woman will help him out. But..she won’t. She has another man — who has money. In 1953, the song, by producer and songwriter for Atlantic Records Jesse Stone, went to #1 on the R&B Chart and was the best-selling R&B record of the year. The lead-in “ah-oom” to the lines made a great hook. Their sound had a big influence on the music that would emerge throughout the 1950s. There have been many covers of the song, including one by Elvis Presley on his 1956 debut LP titled Elvis Presley.
“Money Honey” was the first of many hits for The Drifters, who had an ever-evolving cast. Group members for this record were Clyde McPhatter, Bill Pinkney, Andrew Thrasher, Gerhart Thrasher, and Willie Ferbie.
McPhatter was one of the most influential R&B, soul and Rock and roll singers. He sang lead with Bill Ward and his Dominoes, formed The Drifters, and had success as a solo performer. He struggled with alcoholism and depression, which led to his early death. He was the first artist to be inducted two times into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The first time was for his work with The Drifters , and the second was as a solo artist.
Clyde Lensley McPhatter (November 15, 1932 – June 13, 1972).
4 Comments
Love the old songs. Thanks for sharing with us.
You are very welcome.
[…] For a song by Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters: “Money Honey.” […]
[…] another song by Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters: “Money Honey.” For a song by Clyde McPhatter as a solo artist: “A Lover’s […]