Originally formed to serve as a backing group for Clyde McPhatter.

There have been many members over the years. The first classic Drifters, formed by Clyde McPhatter, was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as The Drifters or The Original Drifters. The second Drifters, featuring Ben E. King, was separately inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as Ben E. King and the Drifters. There were subsequently various groups during the period that George Treadwell was manager (and also several splinter groups under separate management).