The Drifters Featuring Charlie Thomas

ABC’s 20/20 recently featured Charlie Thomas, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the voice on the Drifter hits. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked The Drifters in the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. With 16 Top 40 hits, favorites include “There Goes My Baby,” “Under The Boardwalk,” and “Save The Last Dance For Me”.

Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler

Between 1962 and 1970 Gene Chandler had six songs, including one gold record, in the top 40. “Duke of Earl” sold a million copies in little over one month and was at Number 1 for three weeks. Singer, songwriter, and producer Gene Chandler still delights audiences today in his top hat and cape. Other hits include “Rainbow” and “Groovy Situation”.

Kenny Vance & The Planotones

A co -founder of “Jay & The Americans,” Kenny Vance left the band in 1972 and later served as musical director on Saturday Night Live . It was in 1978 for the movie American Hot Wax that the Planotones were created. In 1992 Vance reformed the group. “Cara Mia” and “Looking For An Echo” are always show stoppers.

Johnnie and Joe

This R&B duo featuring Joe Rivers were famed for their sublime doo-wop-flavored ballads, notably “Over The Mountain, Across The Sea”. Other singles include “I’ll Be Spinning” and “My Baby’s Gone, On, On”. -- www.statetheatrenj.org