(January 14, 2022) They are R&B royalty, and now one of the last links to the heyday of The Platters has passed. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has reported the death of the group’s former lead singer, Sonny Turner, at age 83.
The Platters were among the top vocal groups of the 1950s, with a string of immense hits such as “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “My Prayer.” But the quartet’s fortunes seemed to be fading by 1960, when lead singer Tony Williams left the group for a solo career.
A national search for his replacement began, with over 100 applicants. Sonny Turner won over the group and was chosen as the new lead, and the choice turned out to be prescient. Turner, who had been the lead singer for the Metrotones, he hit the ground running with the group, delivering the empassioned lead vocals on a number of 1960s hits that extended the longevity of the legendary act, including “With This Ring” and “I Love You 1000 Times.”
By 1970, internal struggles in the group led Turner to leave, but he continued to perform both as a solo act and with his own version of The Platters for several decades after the split. For many, Turner became the last link to the hitmaking days of The Platters, and his passing will have us reflecting on the long and storied career of this legendary act. Rest in peace.
By Chris Rizik
