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e, inspired a generation of future of R&B/ Pop artists and set a standard for all forms of music and popular culture, throughout the world. Soul Facts Spotlight Artist: Mr. Clyde McPhatter Clyde Lensley McPhatter was born on November 15, 1932 in Durham, North Carolina (a historical tobacco town, located in the Afican-American district). His music career began at the age of 5, when he sang with his 6 siblings, in his father's Baptist church. He was outfront as a solo for the choi, at age 10. The family moved to Teaneck, NJ where Clyde attended Chelsior High School and tasked at odd jobs such as store clerking, where later he was promoted as a manager. Afterwards, the famaliy journeyed to New York City, where McPhatter formed his gospel group, The Mt Lebanon Singers, as a teen. He left the Lebanon Singing and changed from gospel to secular music and appeared at the Apollo Theater's Amatuer Night in 1950 and won. He was recruited by singer/ songwriter, Billy Ward for his group, The Dominoes. The Dominoes signed with Federal Records (a subsidary of King Records). From 1950 til 1953, McPhatter along with the Dominoes, released a string of 8 top ten R&B hits, during the early 1950's. After his constant arguements with Billy Ward about his money deduction and being a strict disciplinararian, Clyde wanted to leave the group. Ward agreed but asked him to stay to groom, a young replacement, who won a Dominoes tryout at the Fox Theater in Detroit named Jackie Wilson, who idolized McPhatter. After Jackie was groomed into the group, Clyde departed from the Dominoes. After McPhatter left the Dominoes, he was discovered by Atlantic Records founders, Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson at a local furnished room in Harlem, where they set up negotiations. Clyde signed with Atlantic Records in an agreement to find a group to center him, like the Dominoes. He did find a group and they were called, The Drifters. The first set of Drifters, botched up a recording session, so a new line was recruited. Brothers Andrew and Gerhart Thrusher, Wille Ferbie, and great bassist Bill Pickney,along with McPhatter, became the new line-up of the early hitmaking Drifters. After his successful stint with the group, Clyde received his draft notice in early 1954 and continued to tour and record with the Drifters, until his induction in late 54'. Luckly he wasn't stationed overseas and served under special services. He was granted on leave permission and teamed up with singer Ruth Brown and recorded some duets, including their top 8 R&B hit, 'Love Has Joined Us Together' released in Dec 1955. After his discharge, Clyde appeared in the Alan Freed musical, 'Mr. Rock And Roll' in 1957. He left the Drifters and barked on his solo career.