The Platters

History
The Platters began as an all male quartet in 1953. Members Tony Williams, David Lynch, Herb Reed and Alex Hodge called themselves "platters" the name used in those days for records. In 1954 Tony brought the group to Buck Ram for management. Buck Ram added a girl, fifteen year old Zola Mae Taylor, who was formerly with The Queens. In August, 1954 Alex Hodge left the group and was replaced by Paul Robi.

Buck Ram led The Platters to their first recording contract with Mercury Records and in 1955 "Only You" became The Platters' first gold hit record. Under Ram's careful direction, management, and coaching The Platters garnered 16 gold records and attained international fame and immortality through the romantic ballads that continue to be played all over the world today.

Even from its early beginnings, The Platters experienced several changes in members, but there have only been three lead singers in its history: Tony Williams (1953-1960), Sonny Turner (1960-1970), and Monroe Powell (1970 to present). Monroe, the last lead singer hired by Buck Ram, has been lead singer for the group for the past 27 years and has earned the public's goodwill.

Of the first group of Platters, the following are deceased: Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, and Buck Ram. Zola Taylor lives in Los Angeles and no longer performs. Herb Reed lives in Massachusetts.

Today, The Platters, featuring Monroe Powell, with Wilson Williams, Kenn Johnson, Allen Holland and Verceal Whitaker, continue to perform all over the world, bringing back memories of romance and simpler times with their delicately balanced harmonies. Audiences of all ages react enthusiastically to their performances, whether they are performing for an intimate group of 350 or tens of thousands, as they did during the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics.

The Individual Platters

Monroe Powell
Before joining The Platters in 1970, Monroe sang with The Dominos and The Inkspots. Born and raised in New York City, he is a highly trained singer and spent his youth in voice and opera training. He has a remarkable vocal range and his solo styling, characterized by swelling crescendos, plaintive whispers, and hushed pauses, varies only slightly from the group's original style. His early years with the Inkspots and The Dominoes, and his long association with The Platters have earned him a place in music history. A soft spoken individual, Monroe never fails to delight his audience with his classy showmanship. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wilson Williams
Baritone Wilson Williams got his start in music singing gospel. He cut his first record in early 70's and played Rev. Jesse Jackson in Tommy Butler's production of the play, "Selma". In 1978 he signed with ABC Records and recorded the album "Up The Downstairs", the last album produced using Motown musicians and arrangers. In 1985, Wilson formed his own record label and released two singles, one of which hit number 13 on the English Charts. Before joining The Platters, Wilson traveled all over the United States and Canada with his own seven-piece show band, "Attraction". He resides in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Kenn Johnson
Kenn Johnson was born in Detroit, Michigan, so quite naturally, he was a product of the early Motown scene. He started his singing career in his early teen years with The Romeos. In 1984, Kenn hit the scene with his own band, "Shake, Rattle, n' Roll" and performed the classic sounds of the 50's and 60's throughout the western United States. In October, 1995, he left his successful experience with "Shake, Rattle n' Roll" and joined The Platters. Charisma, charm, and style describe Kenn. He resides in New Port Beach, California.

Allen Holland
Allen Holland, a native of Detroit, Michigan started his career in classical music with his principal instrument being the Violincello. Allen has played in many orchestras including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Highland Park Chamber Orchestra, and The Windsor Symphony. Deciding to try something different, he chose the keyboards as his major instrument which led him to join the show band "Attraction" in 1970. Allen is The Platters' keyboard player and sings first tenor and baritone. He resides in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Verceal Whitaker
Verceal started her career in Chesapeake, Virginia as a member of the Dawson Singers. She sang with several recording artists before joining The Platters and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada as a member of the show band "Attraction". She is blessed with a beautiful voice and an extraordinary vocal range. Verceal graces The Platters as its first lady and is described as a true lady both onstage and offstage. She resides in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Medley
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The Magic Touch
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Only You
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The Great Pretender
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