The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Charlie Thomas death: The Drifters musician dies aged 85
The musician was known as a member of the band behind hits such as ‘Under the Boardwalk’ and ‘Sweets for my Sweet’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Charlie Thomas, who is best known for his work in The Drifters, has died aged 85.
Thomas died on 31 January after suffering with liver cancer, his friend Peter Lemongello Jr told the New York Times.
"He was ageing, but he was active almost every weekend. Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill,” said Lemongello, confirming that the musician died at his residence in Bowie, Maryland.
Thomas was the lead singer for The Drifters on hits such as “There Goes My Baby”, “Under the Boardwalk” and “Sweets for my Sweet”.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of the band.
He also received a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.
Thomas joined the band after playing with his previous group, The Five Crowns, in 1958 at the Apollo Theatre.
According to music historian Marv Goldberg, one of the original The Drifters was involved in a drunken row with the venue’s owner and the promoter of the show.
Manager George Treadwell, who owned the name, then fired all of the band’s members nd recruited Thomas and The Five Crowns to become the new band.
Thomas then went on to be a part of the group for 60 years.
He was the lead singer on two of the band’s Top 40 hits, including “When My Little Girl Is Smiling” and “Sweets For My Sweet”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments