The Drifters lead singer Charlie Thomas dies aged 85 following battle with liver cancer
Growing old knowing that your combination have a tendency to start showing beyond your control.
Growing old knowing that your combination have a tendency to start showing beyond your control
– #Drifters #lead #singer #Charlie #Thomas #dies #aged #battle #liver #cancer
A legendary singer from the R&B vocal group The Drifters has been a legendary presence in that combination.
Charlie Thomas, the lead singer of the group, died on January 31 at his home in Bowie, Maryland, following a battle with liver cancer. He was 85.
His friend, singer Peter Lemongello Jr, revealed the sad news just this week, telling The New York Times Thomas tried to remain active despite his health battle.
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“He was ageing, but he was active almost every weekend,” he told the outlet. “Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill.”
Lemongello Jr also paid tribute to the celebrated vocalist on social media.
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“I am completely devastated and shattered after losing my best friend of so many years, Charlie Thomas, the last original recording member of The Legendary Drifters,” Lemongello wrote on Instagram.
“Charlie was with the group longer and on more hit records than any other member in history. His accomplishments were recognized when he was 1 of just 7 members of The Drifters to be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
“I have so many fond memories that we have spent together through much of my life growing up, that I will cherish forever … I’ll miss you forever Charlie!”
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s time with the band spanned more than 60 years. The Drifters first formed in 1953, but Thomas did not join the group until 1959.
In 1964, he took over the lead vocal after original frontman Rudy Lewis’ mysterious death in a Harlem hotel room in New York.
Thomas was at the forefront of The Drifters’ hits such as Under the Boardwalk, Sweets for My Sweet, There Goes My First Love and Save The Last Dance For Me.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Thomas, daughters Crystal Thomas Wilson and Victoria Green, sons, Charlie Jr., Michael Sidbury and Brian Godfrey, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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Legendary Singer Charlie Thomas of The Drifters has Passed Away at 85
Legendary singer Charlie Thomas of the iconic music group, The Drifters, has passed away at the age of 85. He was battling with liver cancer at the time of his death and his family have made an announcement with profound sadness.
Thomas was the leader of The Drifters since the late 1950s and had been an integral part of their musical journey and staggering musical success. Some of the group’s most popular hits were under his lead; such as “Save the Last Dance for Me”.
The Success of The Drifters
The Drifters were one of the most successful vocal groups of the genre and their debut album of 1959 was the first album to reach number one on the UK charts by a Black group. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and had sold millions of copies worldwide.
The Influence of Charlie Thomas
Charlie Thomas was an influential musical leader who had performed in over 600 shows in the US and Europe. Thomas used his platform as The Drifters lead singer to help create strong Black presence in the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Charlie Thomas?
Charlie Thomas was an American singer and musician. He was the lead singer of The Drifters since the late 1950s and was the face of the group’s success.
When did Charlie Thomas pass away?
Charlie Thomas passed away on May 28th, 2021. He was 85 years old and had been battling with liver cancer.
How do The Drifters influence the music industry?
The Drifters were a key pioneer of influences in the early music industry, pushing for strong Inclusion of Black presence in major music platforms which made a lasting impact.
Summary
Legendary singer and group leader of The Drifters – Charlie Thomas has passed away at the age of 85 due to liver cancer. He was part of the iconic group since the late 1950s and was the face of their success. The DRifters have had sold millions of copies worldwide since their debut and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Charlie Thomas was an influential presence and his death is a sad yet memorable loss to the music industry.
