Transport To 1968 With “The Platters” As They Released “Only You”

Some songs have a way of sticking in your mind, even if you don’t think about them often. For people all over the world, the melodies of songs by The Platters have a special place in their memories.

There’s something unique about the songs from the time when rock and roll was just starting to make its mark. While you might not be familiar with the names of the band members, you’ve probably heard their voices. In 1952, The Platters were riding high as a highly successful singing group, offering a distinct sound perfectly suited for the rock era.

Between 1955 and 1967, The Platters achieved about 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a significant accomplishment. This included four songs that claimed the number one spot on the chart. Notably, The Platters were among the first African American rock groups to gain widespread acceptance.

During that time, The Platters were intriguing because their lineup changed over the years. They delivered hit songs such as “You’ve Got the Magic Touch,” “My Prayer,” “The Great Pretender,” and “Only You (And You Alone).” The songwriter Buck Ram created “Only You (And You Alone)” in 1954, but it got released in 1955 when The Platters switched from Federal Records to Mercury Records. Their initial major hit was “Only You (And You Alone).”

The bass singer of The Platters, Herb Reed, shared that creating the successful version of “Only You (And You Alone)” required many rehearsals. They dedicated a lot of time to practice, and interestingly, part of the song came to life while they were driving in a car.

It occurred when the car jerked, and Tony Williams’ voice unintentionally added the touch of “Oohhhnly you.” Surprisingly, they liked the sound, and that version eventually made its way into the studio recording.

The song “Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters was incredibly popular and received cover versions by various artists, including Ringo Starr, Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, and Reba McEntire. Despite numerous covers, none could quite capture the unique sound and magic of The Platters.