AMG Review of Best of Ben E. King & the Drifters [Madacy]

Steve Leggett
All Music Guide

Although Ben E. King may be the best known, the Drifters were actually blessed with a succession of great lead singers, beginning with the angelic tenor of Clyde McPhatter in the early years, followed by King, then the Rudy Lewis/Johnny Moore tandem of the later years. Thanks to the songwriting and production team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the quality of the work done by the various incarnations of the group remained high. This collection doesn't have a lame track on it, but since King is featured on only about half the tracks, the title seems a bit misleading.