The Drifters’ 1961 R&B hit rebounds constantly because of its timeless message about love.
The group’s first single featuring Charlie Thomas on lead vocal, “Sweets for My Sweet” reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 on the R&B chart, in October 1961. This was one of the few post-1958 Drifters singles that did not feature a string section.
The song has a strong piano and bongo- led Cuban-style cha-cha rhythm. It also featured Jimmy Radcliffe and four female backup vocalists, all of whom would later have hit records, Cissy Houston, Doris Troy, Dionne Warwick, and Dee Dee Warwick.
The recording also features an up in front piano provided by co-writer, Mort Shuman.Other musicians on the recording included George Barnes and Allan Hanlon on guitar, Abie Baker on bass, Ed Shaughnessy and Gary Chester on drums and Bobby Rosengarden and Ray Kessler on percussion.
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