The Platters formed in Los Angeles in 1953 and were initially managed
by Ralph Bass. The group had a contract with Federal Records but had
found little success before meeting music entrepreneur and songwriter
Buck Ram. Ram made some changes to the lineup, most notably the addition
of lead vocalist Tony Williams and female vocalist Zola Taylor. Under
Ram's guidance, the Platters recorded seven singles for Federal in the
R&B/gospel style, scoring a few minor regional hits on the West Coast.
One song recorded during their Federal tenure, Only You (And You Alone),
originally written by Ram for the Ink Spots was deemed unreleasable by
the label.
Despite their lack of chart success, the Platters were a profitable
touring group--successful enough that The Penguins, coming off their #2
Earth Angel single, asked Ram to manage them as well. With the Penguins
in hand, Ram was able to parlay Mercury Records' interest into a 2-for-1
deal. To sign the Penguins, Ram insisted, Mercury also had to take the
Platters. Ironically, the Penguins would never have a hit for the label.
What set The Platters apart from other groups of the era was that Ram
had the group incorporate. Each member received equal shares of stock,
full royalties and their social security was paid thus insuring their
future financial security.
Fantastic talents