Faye Treadwell Former Manager of the Drifters Dies

The Drifters was a prophetic moniker.  The band was a revolving door of personnel, but there was one person who had the rights to the Drifters and that was Faye Treadwell.  The Hollywood Reporter announced that Faye passed away at age 84.  She is being hailed as a pioneer.

I was surprised I never heard of her so I did some research.

• She was one of the first African-American female entertainment managers. 
• Her husband George, who died in 1967, had control of the Drifters after buying out original member Clyde McPhatter.  
• Faye bought out her husband’s former business partners and assumed management and control of the group.
• She moved to London in the 1970's and took the Drifters with her.
• In 2006 she won a legal battle to retain control of the Drifters' trademark.

The Drifters most famous alum are McPhatter and Ben E. King.  Their hits include Under The Boardwalk, There Goes My Baby, Up On The Roof and Save The Last Dance For Me.  It's a legacy worth fighting for.