The Platters coming to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A few years ago, when I hit a big slot machine jackpot at the Caesars Palace in Vegas, I sang the Platters’ The Magic Touch at the top of my voice, alarming security personnel who thought something was wrong. I got embarrassed and smiled sheepishly as I explained I just got excited with the win. Several hits by the Platters like Only You, I’m Sorry and The Magic Touch have a strange connection to my personal life. I would hum Only You whenever I felt I was the only person who could perform the task well. I would sing a sincere I’m Sorry whenever I felt I offended someone and ecstatically sing to myself the self-ingratiating The Magic Touch anytime I hit a jackpot at the slot machines.

I’m sure a lot of music lovers feel the way I do. I know of women who get emotional with Build Me Up Buttercup.

Platters’ music has been on Philippine airwaves since the mid-’50s and still played nowadays on AM and FM. They are also the staples of karaoke and videoke bars, performed nightly by hundreds of bands and on most adults iPods, Apple Nanos and cellphones.

The original Platters, composed of Cornell Gunther, Alex Hodge, David Lynch, Gaynell Hodge, Joe Jefferson and Herb Reed, was formed in 1953. After a few months on the touring circuit, Tony Williams and Zola Taylor came on board, replacing some members. From that point on, there was no looking back. Between 1955 to 1968, the Platters churned over 40 Top 20 chart hits. It was also at this period that the group had over three-dozen member changes. Majority of the founding members have gone to rock ’n roll heaven and passed the legacy to second and third generation Platters.

The World Famous Platters has been headlining in Branson Missouri also known as “Las Vegas of the East” for glitzy and top-class entertainment since the ’90s. In 1999, they were accorded the much-coveted Vocal Group of the Year award. They perform twice daily at Branson for a good 10 months every year and have entertained thousands and thousands of Platters music lovers. Their two-week break this month has made it possible for them to visit Asia. Group leader and lead singer Eddie Stovall Sr. has worked with original Platters Williams and Taylor.

Eddie intimated to me that he is excited to visit the Philippines because he’s heard so much about our world-class singers and musicians. He also told me their fully-produced concert will feature all the great Platters hits like Only You, Twilight Time, Magic Touch, My Prayer, Harbor Lights, The Great Pretender, Remember When, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, plus R&B standards like Stand By Me and other hits from Motown.

First concert stop is Manila at Aliw Theater on March 28 then onward to Singapore for a two-night engagement at the Sands Marina Bay & Casino Theater. Tickets are on sale at all SM Ticket outlets at SM Malls, TicketWorld, National Bookstores, Ayala Malls and Robinsons. Call 0928-3145709 to enjoy special rates for group purchases.