Though their line-up frequently wavered, The Drifters were one of the most influential early doo-wop and R&B acts. They began in the early ‘50s when soul singer Clyde McPhatter put the band together as his backing group. He would eventually leave, allowing Ben E. King to assume the lead role, ushering in the group's most iconic phase. They scored massive pop hits during the early '60s, and though The Drifters' commercial star dimmed in the ‘70s, the band has remained a touring draw well into the 21st century.