Rudy Lewis

Vocalist of the Drifters

Rudy Lewis, born on August 23, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a legendary figure in American music history, best known for his tenure as the lead vocalist of the renowned R&B group, the Drifters. Lewis joined the Drifters in late 1960 and remained with them until his untimely death in May 1964. His contributions to the group's repertoire are significant and have left an indelible mark on rhythm and blues music.

Lewis began his singing career in gospel music, performing with the Clara Ward Singers before making the transition to secular music. A remarkable talent, he was discovered by Drifters manager George Treadwell at Philadelphia's Uptown Theater and hired on the spot to replace Ben E. King as the lead vocalist. In a short time, Lewis proved himself worthy of the position, delivering powerhouse performances on hit singles such as "Please Stay," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Up On The Roof," and "On Broadway." His voice was versatile, allowing him to excel in various styles, from soulful ballads to upbeat doo-wop tunes.

Rudy Lewis's discography with the Drifters is extensive and impressive. In addition to the aforementioned hits, he contributed his distinctive vocals to tracks like "Another Night With The Boys," "Beautiful Music," "Jackpot," "Let The Music Play," "Loneliness Or Happiness," "Mexican Divorce," "Only In America," "Rat Race," "She Never Talked To Me That Way," "Somebody New Dancing With You," "Stranger on the Shore," and "What To Do." His performances showcased his vocal prowess and range, making him an integral part of the Drifters' success during their second golden era in the early 1960s.

Beyond his professional accomplishments with the Drifters, Rudy Lewis faced personal challenges that are now a part of his tragic legacy. Despite these struggles, including being a closeted homosexual, addicted to heroin, and suffering from binge eating disorder, he continued to pour his heart and soul into his music. His health problems were not publicly disclosed until years after his death, in the liner notes of the CD box set "Rockin & Driftin: The Drifters Box" (1996).

On May 21, 1964, Rudy Lewis was found dead in his Harlem hotel room. His demise came just before the group was scheduled to record "Under the Boardwalk," a song written specifically for him. Tragically, former lead vocalist Johnny Moore was brought in to perform lead vocals instead. The Drifters paid tribute to their fallen member with the recording of "I Don't Want to Go On Without You," led by Charlie Thomas. Despite an autopsy never being performed, authorities ruled Lewis's death as a probable drug overdose. However, close friends and family believe his passing was due to a combination of a drug overdose, asphyxiation, and a heart attack. Rudy Lewis died at the young age of 27, making him an unfortunate member of the infamous 27 Club.

Rudy Lewis's impact on American music is undeniable. His powerful voice, versatility, and dedication to his craft earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously as a member of the Drifters. His story serves as a reminder that behind the successes and accolades are often complex personal journeys that contribute to an artist's unique legacy.