Last of the original Drifters dies at 81
44 minutes ago

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Bill Pinkney, the last survivor of the original musical group the Drifters, died Wednesday. He was 81.

Pinkney was found dead at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach Police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said. The death was not considered suspicious, he said.

Pinkney was scheduled to perform for Fourth of July festivities there.

The Drifters, whose hits included "Under the Boardwalk", "Up the River", and "Save the Last Dance for Me", still performed Wednesday night. An announcement on Pinkney's death was made after the show, said the group's publicist, Donnie Lowery.

Pinkney, born in Dalzell, S.C., wasn't with the Drifters when they recorded their biggest hits. He left the band in 1958 because of an argument over cash. His distinctive bass voice can be heard on the group's version of the holiday classic "White Christmas".

Even though he left the group, Pinkney didn't let go of the Drifters' name. He fought for laws allowing performers or bands to claim an affiliation with a classic group like the Drifters or the Coasters only if at least one member recorded with the original group.

SOURCE: The Associated Press

RIP, Bill.

Sorry to hear this. At least he lived a long life. Rest peacfully brotha!

REALLY sorry to hear this. I saw Bill Pinkney with HIS Drifters just a few years back and he was in fine singing form. I didn't realize he was this old. He was still pretty "frisky" with the women then! RIP

That sucks...in 2003 my dad booked him to do his gospel singing and he did good for his age and I got to work with his manager selling his book and cd and when my dad passed the group sent a letter to us, they kept in touch with us wanting to work together again...he wanted my dad to join them, so now they are doing their duet in heaven now...