Johnny Moore (musician)

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Johnny Moore (born 14 December 1934) (died 30 December 1998) was an American rhythm and blues singer with The Drifters.

Moore joined the group in New York in 1955, at age 21. He was out of the group for a time, recording as a soloist under the name "Johnny Darrow". He rejoined the Drifters and became the lead singer in 1964 when Rudy Lewis died of a suspected drug overdose. His first recording as lead singer was "Under the Boardwalk", recorded the day after Lewis died.

Moore had a string of hits with the group in the sixties, most notably "Saturday Night At The Movies", "Up On The Roof", "Come On Over To My Place", "At The Club" and "Up In The Streets Of Harlem". He was the group's longest serving member- he remained in the group until his death in 1999.

Moore was given a posthumous Pioneer Award in 1999 by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

"Under the Boardwalk was not his first lead with the group. He originally took over when Clyde McPhatter left and sang first tenor on songs such as "Sadie My Lady" "It Was a Tear" "Fools Fall in Love." Under the Boardwalk was his SECOND run with the group when he was rehired later on." - Chris