Clyde McPhatter

USA, 1950–1970

American singer (1932-1972), lead tenor of Billy Ward and his Dominoes and founder of the Drifters. His gospel-derived melisma carried directly into 1950s rhythm and blues.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced Clyde McPhatter and 7 artists Clyde McPhatter influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did Clyde McPhatter influence?

• Jackie Wilson — Wilson replaced McPhatter as lead of Billy Ward's Dominoes in 1953 and inherited his gospel-tenor R&B style directly.
• The Drifters — Clyde McPhatter founded the Drifters and sang their gospel-drenched early leads — the group was built around his soaring church-trained tenor.
• Hank Ballard — Ballard was directly inspired by Clyde McPhatter of the Dominoes — the gospel-cry R&B lead that shaped his own vocal style.
• The Isley Brothers — Ronald Isley named Clyde McPhatter among the group's most important influences — the gospel-tenor R&B lead the young Isleys modelled themselves on.
• The Miracles — Clyde McPhatter's gospel-tenor R&B — with Billy Ward's Dominoes and the Drifters — was among the voices the young Robinson modelled himself on.
• Gene Pitney — Pitney was particularly influenced by R&B/soul pioneer Clyde McPhatter — the emotive tenor behind his soaring pop voice.
• Smokey Robinson — When rock'n'roll hit, Robinson became a big fan of tenor Clyde McPhatter — the gospel-R&B lead behind his own style.