"Save The Last Dance For Me" #1 10/22/1960

The Drifters topped the R&B charts five times in the 50's and 60's, but this was their only pop #1. A little surprising, since they remain one of the most influential vocal groups ever. Their pre-rock and roll early 50's R&B records were just phenomenal. Ben E. King took a turn singing lead here. It was a B-side until Dick Clark turned the record over and suggested this was the stronger song. Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who also wrote "This Magic Moment" and my favorite Drifters tune of that time, "I Count The Tears." They also wrote "Viva Las Vegas" and many other hits for Elvis.