American singer, perhaps the most widely imitated R&B singer of the 1950s and 1960s, making him a key figure in the shaping of doo-wop and R&B.
Born: Nov. 15, 1932, Durham, NC - died: June 13, 1972 in Manhattan, NYC, NY.
McPhatter was lead tenor for Billy Ward And His Dominoes & largely responsible for the success they initially enjoyed. After his tenure with the Dominoes, McPhatter formed his own group, Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters, before going solo after a short stint in the Army.
Clyde's musical career began at the age of 5 when he was lead tenor of his father's church choir.
Only 39 at the time of his death, Clyde McPhatter left a legacy of over 22 years of recording history. He was the first artist in music history to become a double inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first as a member of The Drifters, and later as a solo artist. as a result, all subsequent multiple inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are said to be members of The Clyde McPhatter Club.
Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 (Performer).