Drifters ARTIST ID: 346
Bill Pinkney, the only surviving 1953 original member is now on his 46th Anniversary tour and is committed to keeping the name and spirit of The Drifters alive.
Pinkney and the other original Drifters met while singing in gospel music quartet battles in 1949. The four joined forces and signed with Atlantic Records in 1953 and established the foundation upon which a musical legacy was built. The four original Drifters and four subsequent members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1988.
A former Negro Baseball League pitcher and Presidential Citation Recipient from World War II, Bill Pinkney received a Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award and is a member of the United Group Harmony Association, the Beach Music Hall of Fame, and Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. South Carolina has established a state park at his Dalzell, Sumter County birthplace, and bestowed upon him the Order of the Palmetto, its highest civilian honor. He is South Carolina's official Ambassador of Entertainment. Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has proclaimed both "Original Drifters Day" and "Bill Pinkney Day" commemorating his fortieth and forty-fifth anniversary kickoffs.
Pinkney's group still breaks from touring to record. Seize the opportunity to enjoy this entertainment industry legend's fine act!
GENRES FOR THIS ARTIST:
- R&B, Motown, Oldies, & Beach
SUGGESTED EVENT TYPES:
- National Concerts
- Corporate Events
- Private Parties





