Bill Pinkney, original member of the Drifters, died July 4, 2007. Pinkney was in Daytona, Florida where he was to perform for Independence Day festivities. His band went on with the performance and announced his death at the end of the concert.

Bill Pinkney was born in 1925 in Dalzell, SC. He was an original member of The Drifters, having been “drafted” from the gospel group The Southern Knights by Clyde McPhatter who organized The Drifters in 1953. Pinkney left the group in 1958 and formed The Original Drifters, the band he remained with until his death.

Bill Pinkney had many successes and public recognition over his lifetime. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, United Group Harmony Association, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and Beach Music Hall of Fame. He had also been inducted into both North Carolina and South Carolina Halls of Fame. He received a Presidential Citation for Four Bronze Stars earned in World War II. South African President Nelson Mandela wrote a “national treasure” recognition letter to Bill Pinkney in 2000. In 2001, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from CCU (Coastal Carolina University) in Conway, SC. In addition, South Carolina bestowed the prestigious Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor given to a civilian, upon him and named him the official “Ambassador of Entertainment.” Pinkney was a pitcher for the New York Blue Sox, an affiliate of the Negro Baseball League, in the late 40’s and early 50’s.

Who will ever forget Pinkney’s beautiful voice on the best selling Drifters song “White Christmas” (1954)? This song ranks in the top 10 all time best selling Christmas songs.

Ted Bell and Billy Smith, announcers for 94.9 the Surf, met and introduced Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters, along with The Coasters and The Platters, at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach on Friday, June 29…just 5 days before his death.

War hero…athlete…musician extraordinaire… Bill Pinkney was all of these and more. He was a legend, a giant, and a pioneer in his field. Above all, he was a gentleman.

He will be missed.