The Drifters' lead singer Charlie Thomas dies aged 85 following battle with liver cancer
A legendary singer from the R&B vocal group The Drifters has recently passed away.
Charlie Thomas, the lead singer of the group, died on January 31 at his home in Bowie, Maryland, following a battle with liver cancer. He was 85.
His friend, singer Peter Lemongello Jr, revealed the sad news just this week, telling The New York Times Thomas tried to remain active despite his health battle.
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The Drifters (clockwise from left): Charlie Thomas, Dock Green, Rudy Lewis, Tommy Evan in 1961. Getty
"He was ageing, but he was active almost every weekend," he told the outlet. "Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill."
Lemongello Jr also paid tribute to the celebrated vocalist on social media.
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"I am completely devastated and shattered after losing my best friend of so many years, Charlie Thomas, the last original recording member of The Legendary Drifters," Lemongello wrote on Instagram.
Charlie Thomas of The Drifters performs at the Doo Wop Extravaganza at PNC Bank Arts Center on May 20, 2016 in Holmdel, New Jersey. WireImage
"Charlie was with the group longer and on more hit records than any other member in history. His accomplishments were recognized when he was 1 of just 7 members of The Drifters to be inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
"I have so many fond memories that we have spent together through much of my life growing up, that I will cherish forever … I'll miss you forever Charlie!"
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's time with the band spanned more than 60 years. The Drifters first formed in 1953, but Thomas did not join the group until 1959.
In 1964, he took over the lead vocal after original frontman Rudy Lewis' mysterious death in a Harlem hotel room in New York.
Thomas was at the forefront of The Drifters' hits such as Under the Boardwalk, Sweets for My Sweet, There Goes My First Love and Save The Last Dance For Me.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Thomas, daughters Crystal Thomas Wilson and Victoria Green, sons, Charlie Jr., Michael Sidbury and Brian Godfrey, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
