The Platters • Only You (And You Alone) & Other Hits

In just about every way you can count, The Platters were one of the most successful groups of the early part of the Rock N' Roll era, with forty songs that made it on the charts, and four incredible #1 hits. While the group did change members over the almost 20 years of togetherness, the must successful line up featured Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor. The group was formed in 1952 in Los Angeles, with Lynch and Reed being two of the original members from the group above. In 1953, Buck Ram took over management of the group, and also saw the addition of lead vocalist Tony Williams, and Zola Taylor, the first female member. The Platters certainly had a distinctive sound, one that is hard to forget.

The group was by no means an overnight success, as it took two years before they had their first hit. "Only You (And You Alone)" summer of 1955, became the groups first Top 10 hit. The song was written by Buck Ram, who was also the manager and producer for The Platters, and Ande Rand. He also played the piano in the studio, the only time he did so for the group. Here are The Platters with "Only You (And You Alone)".

There are reports Ram sat in a bathroom of the Flamingo Hotel and wrote their next song in 20 minutes, eager to have something to follow up with the success of "Only You (And You Alone)". "The Great Pretender" became the group's first #1 hit in 1955. The song was written by Buck Ram, who also produced the recording. It accentuated the brilliant vibrato of Williams, whose voice easily sailed to amazing heights. This is The Platters singing "The Great Pretender".

The next song was first made popular in the 1940s as an instrumental, before Jimmy Dorsey released a version with vocals by Teddy Walters in 1945. In 1958, The Platters released their version of "Twilight Time", and the record quickly went to #1, both in the United States and Australia. It also scored a #3 in Great Britain. The song has music by Morty Nevins, Al Nevins, and Artie Dunn, but later had lyrics by the prolific Buck Ram. This is The Platters singing "Twilight Time".

"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Otto Harbach from the Broadway score of the 1933 musical, 'Roberta'. The song scored a #1 spot in both the United States and England in the Fall of 1958. There was a bit of a stir when the widow of Jerome Kern was concerned the song was being turned into a "rock and roll record", although after the release, it is said Mr. Harbach congratulated Mr. Buck and the group for "reviving his song with taste." They certainly brought to song to iconic levels. This is The Platters singing "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

All four singles by The Platters can be found on 'All-Time Greatest Hits'. Well, those for songs and 14 others, all amazing with their tight harmonies and lust sound. The album can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about The Platters, visit this interesting website.

Some Wonderful Music by Jerome Kern

Clockwise: Helen Forrest, Audra McDonald, Barbra Streisand, and Billie Holiday.

Tonight, I thought I would offer you a few beautiful music written by the great composer, Jerome Kern. Whether partnered with Oscar Hammerstein II, or with other lyricists, Kern wrote some amazing songs that found their way into the Great American Songbook, and being performed by some of the great in the Jazz industry, from the great instrumentalists to some of the best voices recording. He was responsible for the music from great shows like the 'Ziegfeld Follies' of 1915, 1916, and 1917, 'Show Boat', 'Roberta', 'Swing Time', and 'Lady Be Good'. I was first introduced to the song by Barbra Streisand, from her 1967 album, 'Simply Streisand'. I was enchanted by it, for is has such a beautiful melody. But here I bring you the 1939 recording of "All The Things You Are", by Artie Shaw & his Orchestra, with featured vocals by Helen Forrest. The song was written for the 1939 musical 'Very Warm For May'. This version has qualities of Pop and Swing, and is really rather divine. This is Helen Forrest with Artie Shaw & his Orchestra singing "All The Things You Are".

I think it could be easily argued that the 1927 musical 'Show Boat' is the most well-known score Kern wrote. So many of the songs made it into Pop culture, performed by Big Bands, Pop singers, Jazz artists, and Opera singers. With music by Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and songs like "Old Man River", "Make Believe", "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man", and the next song, it is easy to see why. Next up, I will go with Audra McDonald singing the beautiful "Bill". It is easy to see why she is the winner of 5 Tony Awards, or should I say hear why. Her voice is amazing, and when she takes on the song from 'Showboat', with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. This is stunning.

Sometimes it seems impossible for me to not include Billie Holiday in my Saturday night posts. As this night features classic songs and performances, she always qualifies. And once again, I couldn't resist including her in this tribute to Jerome Kern with a recording of her singing "The Way You Look Tonight". The song was originally featured in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical, 'Swing Time'. The lyrics were written by Dorothy Fields, and originally sung by Fred Astaire to costar Ginger Rogers. As expected, Lady Day delivers the goods, and more in this 1936 recording with Teddy Wilson & his Orchestra. This is "The Way You Look Tonight".

Well, I have decided to come full circle, and return to the source. I was first introduced to many classic songs with my preoccupation with the talented Barbra Streisand. As a young teeen, I was buying up her early releases, including 'My Name Is Barbra', the soundtrack to her first television special from 1965, 'My Name is Barbra'. "Make Believe", from the previously mentioned musical 'Showboat', is a gorgeous song of love and longing, and beautifully delivered by the young Streisand. This is a clip from the special, and also includes her singing the song "I'm Late".

Hope your weekend is making you sing!

The Platters • Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

For this fine Saturday morning, I thought I would take the opportunity to plug the post coming tonight. This evening, I will be celebrating the music of Jerome Kern, and he just also happened to write the music for "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". The song was written for their 1933 musical 'Roberta', with music by Kern, and lyrics by Otto Harbach. The song was introduced by Tamara Drasin on the Broadway stage, and originally recorded by Gertrude Niesen in 1933. It has been sung by many, and adapted to several styles. That would include traditional Pop from the 1950s when it was recorded by the group, The Platters. Their 1958 recording went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #3 on the R&B charts. Please enjoy The Platters in a live performance of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

If you enjoyed this, remember to to stop back tonight for more music by Jerome Kern!