Wednesday, July 2, 2003
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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
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Golden Oldies - Drifters and Marvelettes come to town By MICHAEL
BOYLAN The songs that are deemed "oldies" appeal to and are familiar to people of all ages. They are songs that you know, even if you don't know that you know them, thanks to their use in movies and television, as well as their play at weddings and on the radio. The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville will welcome two of the groups that made the late 1950s and early 1960s period of rock and roll history what it was: "Beary Hobbs" Drifters and The Marvelettes. Both groups have a long and tangled history with different lead singers taking the helms of the groups for different periods. What matters most, though, is the music. The Drifters first formed in 1953 with Clyde McPhatter as the lead who was backed up by some of his old gospel singing friends from the Mount Lebanon Singers. In 1958, management replaced the group known as The Drifters with a group known as The Crowns. This group, which featured Ben E. King, Charlie Thomas, Dock Green and Elsbeary "Beary" Hobbs became the most well-known version of "The Drifters." Some of The Drifters' best-loved hits include "There Goes My Baby," "Save The Last Dance For Me," "This Magic Moment," "On Broadway," "Some Kind of Wonderful," and "Under The Boardwalk." Through the years, The Drifters have continued to tour and thrill audiences with their soulful melodies. They have had quite a successful career with over 30 songs reaching the top 100 and 11 songs that broke into the top 20. The Marvelettes hit it big and changed the face of Motown. Motown had been known for releasing bluesy hits until The Marvelettes came around and paved the way for groups like The Supremes and others. Their first and biggest hit was "Please Mr. Postman." It reached number one on both the pop and rhythm and blues charts and helped the group sell over three million albums. Though they would never have a hit as big as "Please Mr. Postman," they did record a number of other songs that found success. Some of their later hits include "Don't Mess With Bill," "Too Many Fish in the Sea," "Playboy," "Beechwood 4-5789," "When You're Young and In Love," and "Strange I Know." Tickets for the concert may be purchased at Fayetteville City Hall, or by phone by calling 770-461-6029. Checks, cash and credit cards are accepted. You may also visit any Ticketmaster outlet, or their web site at www.ticketmaster.com. Reserved tiered seating is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Lawn seating is $20 advance and $25 at the door. The Villages Amphitheater is located next to the new Fayette County High School at 301 LaFayette Ave. Parking is available in the high school parking lot. Concessions are provided by City Café and Bakery and may be ordered in advance by calling 770-461-6800. For a complete list of events or further directions for the Villages Amphitheater, visit www.fayetteville-ga-us.org.
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