The Platters - The Great Pretender (1959) 4K

The Platters performing "The Great Pretender", released originally in 1959.
It reached #1 in the Netherlands, #1 on the US Billboard Top 100, #1 on the US R&B Records, and #5 on the UK Singles Charts.
This style of music, characterized by its harmonies and catchy melodies, was not called "doo-wop" at the time; it was categorized as rock or R&B. The term "doo-wop" gained popularity around 1970 when oldies DJ Gus Gossert started using it on his WCBS radio show in New York City.
The song tells the story of a man who conceals his heartbreak by pretending to be happy, having mastered the art of smiling through his pain. It was written by The Platters' producer, Buck Ram, who needed a follow-up to the group's first hit, "Only You." Ram quickly composed the lyrics in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, where the group was performing.
"The Great Pretender" was featured in the movie "Rock Around the Clock" and on the "American Graffiti" soundtrack, alongside two other Platters' songs, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "Only You." The harmonizing female voice on the track belongs to Zola Taylor, the only female member of The Platters. Taylor was also the second wife of Frankie Lymon and was portrayed by Halle Berry in the movie "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." She passed away in 2007 at the age of 69. In 1987, Freddie Mercury revived "The Great Pretender" with his version of the song, which reached #4 in the UK.
Enjoy more of the best 1950s Music Digitally Remastered in 4K: • 1940s & 1950s Music Di...
Listen to The Platters online:
Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/6KWcx...
iTunes - / the-platters
Classic Hits Studio is a specialized digital remastering studio based in New Zealand. We are dedicated to restoring and enhancing classic music performances and music videos. We are passionate about music and committed to delivering high-quality results.
If you enjoyed this upload, please consider sharing with a friend and subscribing to Classic Hits for more: / @classichitsstudio
#ThePlatters #TheGreatPretender #ClassicHitsStudio

[@musicman201047]

Who's still listening in 2024? I sure am.

[@tonymercer7759]

I am too ! Great memories with this song

[@EdmerAlves-do9cy]

Eu estou ouvindo amo fez parte de minha Juventude linda demais

[@mteresapanadesireland6511]

I am too!!

[@toastiepostie3761]

Loved them since I was a kid and had their albums. Okay I listened to my sister's albums and she eventually gave the LPs to me.😊

[@Cosmologist722]

[@R.Bobbee777]

Classy and so smooth. They should've been called the "Plantinums". The finest metal.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

Who's listening in 2023?

[@francescobertaccini6903]

I often listen to the Platters great musicians and singers of all times they made my youth full of pure joy , happiness,hope in a new world that soon will come.

[@technoquant]

Me

[@charlesmabansag1122]

And me

[@staza6342]

Me too.

[@winstonsanderson4865]

Me

[@komloh2752]

To me, the Platters were one of the greatest singing groups of all time.

[@peterstowers5748]

Who's listening in 2024 ❤️ the Platters since 1962

[@williamminter5846]

The first album my father bought when we got our first stereo.

[@bobaldo2339]

'52 actually.

[@johntorres779]

Don’t tell my gangster friends I bop this

[@rizasousa7185]

Ouço The Platters desde 1962!!!

[@bit7561]

I do ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nancyborth2785]

87yrs old from Detroit…….played this about 50,000 times, and that was just the first week I bought. On a 45 disc. Happy days long gone.

[@charlenedean4086]

I'm 67 as of May 5th and I was just wondering, "was it on a 45 or was it a 78?" It's been a long time. I wish we kids didn't use those albums to play with. 😢

[@theodoresweger4948]

Same age would you believe still meeting some lovely people, but it seems they are fewer ...

[@theodoresweger4948]

Believe it or not sane age love this.

[@Nerlin]

I was 4 when this song came out. I still love it!

[@frankschiavone4557]

70 this year, and still chose Motown over the Beatles any day

[@eviek3809]

This needs to be played on the radio and let's see if current generations can appreciate the lyrics and harmonies. These songs are about simplicity, heartache, purity. And not a see-through outfit or g-string in sight.

[@clarencealexander1093]

They don't have the faintest notion. And not a ragged piece of clothing anywhere!

[@DanielDArcangelo-tb7pv]

Espectacular solo para entendidos

[@kacythomas7436]

Played this in 1979 after my husband passed away.

[@Caroline-tk5dg]

I DON'T THINK THEY COULD RELATE. THEY HAVE BEEN CONDITIONED TO A DIFFERENT MINDSET. A SAD SITUATION.

[@splash13261]

The Platters were one of the very best singing groups of all time.

[@marthalorenalopezsandino222]

I'm think so too!

[@jmkeupp]

@@marthalorenalopezsandino222 The best!

[@charlenedean4086]

I was just a little girl, listening to grown folks music and when my dad would take my hand to dance, I'm on his feet. ❤

[@lynettewatts2577]

I'm listening and so.are many people who appreciate good music. The food of love.❤

[@keithstunes1]

77 years old,I’m still listening to to great singers like the Platters in 2024 Great

[@josepha.r5839]

Me too!

[@effieroberts1931]

Me too❤

[@jacksontan4073]

Me in April 2024 !

[@shirleyward1850]

I'm listening to this in 2024 ! Such a beautiful song and group! ❤❤❤ These oldies,I love indeed! ❤❤❤

[@ajrg1983]

Ainda bem que podemos ouvir esses clássicos aqui no KZbin!

[@Peter-ts6wb]

Me too. Great voice. Love that young lady's smile ❤

[@bigmyked8479]

Im a 44 year old white dude. I'm just enjoying the hell out of 50s music, and I always have too. And I wish i had an ounce of the coolness these folks had.

[@shirleyward1850]

@@bigmyked8479 it doesn't matter about your race honey. " It is what it is"❤️ I love different styles if music 🎶🎶 whether it's black or white,as long as I can enjoy it ,I love it. ❤️

[@graziellaselvaggio1903]

​@@bigmyked8479anch'io bianca e italiana, ma di ben 73 anni😄 e ascolto molto spesso i platters mi piacciono da morire mi fanno ancora sognare

[@georgeharris9873]

This classic will never get old.

[@kkt723]

그래서 그렇기 때문에 고전이라 칭하지요

[@danieleclauzel4283]

never

[@scinusa]

@@kkt723 You Have class.

[@user-gl3oh7yb3r]

Me hace trasladarme a la epoca de la cancion que es muy relajante

[@barryburton7755]

its already old

[@Tocsin-Bang]

One of the greatest vocal groups of all time!

[@33whiskey69]

Amen, amen, and amen.

[@jondemarco6182]

@@33whiskey69 Yes they were. To bad this song does not get any air play and Artists like them are so terrific with voice, and range. This is the first I have heard them since I was a young Lad.

[@trukeesey8715]

[I saw them near Chesapeake Beach about 1964 -- (later) I remembered after posting this, that it was not the Platters but their forerunners the Ink-Spots]. Not all of the original members. I found most of the Platters's songs to be boring and repulsive, but this one very attractive and pleasing. Listen to Prem Rawat!

[@reic0002]

sorry, strange people about. How can a Platters song be repulsive?? and if you saw them in 1964 that makes you oooh, 83 probably>?? So how was Chesapeake?

[@trukeesey8715]

@@reic0002 76. After I made that comment I remembered it was the Ink-Spots I saw, not the Platters. Ink-Spots were forerunners of the Platters from earlier time.

[@malcolmyost7794]

I AM 77 and and takes me back to my high school days it's great to hear this song again yes it's 2024 but it's great.😊

[@carlosangelarce9391]

Hermosa musica comparable con la Mona Jimenez...jajaja,,,!!!!!

[@robertgreene9346]

I'm 83 and have been listening since there very first record and will listen to the Platers until I can hear them again in person.

[@frankstrickland-fe8el]

It's 2024 and I'm still listening, have been since then and hopefully for many more years. The best of the doowop era.

[@carol29carnegie]

This 74yr old woman who it seems only yesterday I was dancing to this full of love and hope for the future, still dreaming 🥰

[@franktucker5]

where did this great music go? i miss it & i am 90 yrs old

[@jonathanwinfield6000]

@@franktucker5God bless you. So many decades I wish I had experienced. I was born in 1991 so I am not in my 90’s, but I do feel I was born in the wrong generation often..

[@trackman174]

Never stop dreaming.

[@faerae2020]

I love that for you! ❤

[@rushanefrancis2412]

​@@jonathanwinfield6000 I'm born 1993 and I'm still happy that I've fall on piece of the 90s

[@JazyBaba1990]

Who is listening to this in 2024?

[@mikelldaley9078]

I AM AT 80 ! SUPER !

[@watcher321]

So am I at 87!!! I saw them once, but at 87 I don't remember where. I think I was younger.

[@subhasisnandy]

me!

[@aureaferreiralopes1059]

❤😂❤🌹🇧🇷🌹

[@daryldaligdiz1395]

32 here still love this song.

[@richiewhitfield5649]

2024 here and I've just lost my grandad. He wasn't just my grandad though he was my hero. Love you grandad ❤️ this was one of his favourites

[@normadurr818]

I’m listening in 2024. Still enjoying all the old hits.

[@jeffreytao8677]

The song is a timely classic that we will always love and remember. Tony Williams is incomparable!

[@cleuzaoliveiraulian8365]

Verdade verdadeira

[@MissSweeTSmarT1983]

He sure was. ❤

[@franktucker5]

if this kind of music would have stayed with us for 10 more years, we would not have racist

[@carlotamotaarcos1444]

Yfrtrege3ge3tttrrr😊yyt4😊yyyy😊u77ytrrgtrrg😊😊uu😊uiut6iiiuu7😊7uyy78iyt8i6😊😊😊😊78😊

[@stevenschiffel4294]

PURE talent. Really missing in today's "music"

[@gayronferguson7046]

I agree, this was back when musicians could carry a tune and not just screaming or yelling vocals.

[@frankschiavone4557]

Lol 😂😂😂 did you say today's music. Garbage that's what it is

[@paulvonblerk9365]

100% correct, most of todays music is pure garbage!!

[@Marie-jeanneBerger-vt6xy]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lynny1651]

I’m still listening to to great singers like the Platters in 2024 ❤️🎶❤️

[@sergey-wx1lh]

Я тоже слушаю, очень нравятся! Привет из Карелии.

[@lukelester481]

Where do you find them in 2024?

[@Lynny1651]

@@lukelester481 we have great singers who are in Perth who have amazing voices like the Platters but of course no one will ever replace any original singer so I listen on my playlists or like through Pete Roberts Chanel

[@janiegonzales7991]

My sons listen to this kind of music and they’re teenagers 😮. I think they appreciate real music. It’s now 2024 and they enjoy this kind of music. Lol,I’m in my late 50s and I have never heard about this song. I think is phenomenal!

[@oneandamillee2986]

2024 keeping it alive for the next generation.

[@shaulavraham3029]

i from brazil

[@ShenitAchel]

I'm glad to know that there are still people who like good music 🎶 😊

[@PaulFos]

You can say that again

[@sondrasmith6999]

I was listening, I love that song and I am 84, love the Platters!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jerrymarver]

The Platters and the Inkspots were two of the most dignified groups ever to come upon the music scene.

[@ehenry484]

I saw Charlie Pride back up group the ladies are dressed most modest. More descent than most ladies show up in some churches today. I said show-up because that's what they are doing putting on a show 😢

[@romystumpy1197]

And look how classy and elegant they look

[@user-se9ox2zi8m]

❤The old ones are the best 50s/60

[@user-wf1pl4ve9o]

I saw the Inkspots in 1988 in Bournemouth England.

[@QUEENLOLATV]

And the 5th dimension

[@roysargood8750]

Me and my wife danced to this so many. Times. I loved her so much she had to leave me. I remember them both so much. Rest till we meet again. Love

[@thisiepereira]

How long were you both married? and which year

[@juliopontigo6971]

This is no doubt one of the greatest singing groups ever.

[@RB3565]

❤🙏 so pure and perfectly beautiful.😢 Thank you 🙏

[@cesargaitan4189]

Oh Lord what a Masterpiece ! ❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@didiberger4521]

Bin in dieser großartigen Zeit mit dieser Musik aufgewachsen. Mehr gibt's nichts mehr zu sagen . Kar😢

[@larryknowles2802]

When class and style meant something! Look at how well they were dressed and carried themselves. Oh, how I miss those days!

[@boyfrmnewyork]

And now who's listening in 2024? Happy New Year!

[@JacquelineFox-xo6jn]

Happy New America in November. Don't wish your life away. Have faith that you will get back to being back to the America we know. A citizen can't tell you what to do. I could do that 😂😂😂

[@alasdairwreid]

not American . . . . but Scottish - thumbs up to Zola!!

[@Duncan038]

A voice that would stand out in any era. Fabulous.

[@helenbambis9137]

The greatest group of all times in the 50's

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I would agree wholeheartedly

[@alan-ev6ck]

A long time ago, I was lucky enough to see this group live. They had so much class.

[@nancyf1342]

What year was that?

[@alan-ev6ck]

C'mon Nancy, I'm 75, do you think I'll remember what year it was. It's been at least 20 or 25 years ago, maybe more.@@nancyf1342

[@ralphschreckengost6865]

Lucky.

[@mikehollingworth2262]

yea sure ok yep

[@pamelasmith1947]

Never a voice like Tony Williams. Love the Platters.

[@brucewhitworth6047]

I was 15 in 1959 and loved the Platters and still do. With Only You on the reverse side, it made the best ever double hit record ever.

[@bobaldo2339]

The original pressing of "Only You" had an uptempo tune called , "Bark Battle & Ball" on the flip side. I still have the 45. It came out long before "The Great Pretender".

[@gertrudedaye676]

We're watching in 2024 .yes love the oldies and The Platters.

[@marion4867]

Still listening to this fabulous group . 2024 ❤❤

[@user-ke9es1so3h]

I’m listening in 2024☺️

[@marysmyth8288]

Oh my Heavens, how marvelous The Great Pretender song with the fabulous The Platters Today I am an 80yr old widow, I grew up in Belfast Nr Ireland We danced our nights away at all the wonderful Dance Clubs To this day no other singing group in my books can complete Not just with The Platters also Nat King Cole , Sammy Davis Junior And so many Big bands of that area 1950-1960’s Thank you Classic Hits Studio Amen ❤

[@sarahhensley4663]

The first line, his voice, is enough to give me goosebumps to sit and watch him sing.

[@janetmartin5441]

Love this I remember this when I was 16 now I’m 84

[@ometofu]

83 here

[@jbj27406]

How crisp and perfect. And, yes, she's a vision of loveliness.

[@JacquelineFox-xo6jn]

My Dad sang and I sat on the sofa and listened ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@larrypacak1143]

The Late Great Tony Williams singing Lead!

[@gracepuckett6506]

At my school we head a show called the great pretenders and we did the 50s artist Elvis I didn’t know who this was I thought it was Elvis.

[@Vetriot6971]

What a voice 🙏👏👏

[@wellingtonmiddleton3739]

And what a voice this guy had - one of the all time great!

[@eliceopalacio5979]

🏵️🌼😚🌺🥒🥒💐💐🙋🏵️

[@Amore825]

What a beautiful voice 😊

[@giselleiriane5419]

Alguem em 2024 ouvindo estas lindas canções?

[@mariadocarmocosta5222]

Eu, ouvindo e encantada com tanta beleza.

[@pennybray7169]

Beautiful singing and harmony and one can hear every word of the song ❤❤❤

[@randylane2492]

Fantastic music by real artists. Very much missing in our world today. Superb memories

[@reginagalanaki2055]

❤

[@stevetomasco]

His voice is a gift that not many share. I'm glad I lived and experienced this wonder. Something my children missed.

[@jorgeoliva232]

Nat king Cole too.

[@ronl8495]

79’ and still loving the oldies!

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

The Platters were undoubtedly were one of the greatest do groups from the 50's.Tony Williams was the soul of The Platters.What a voice...

[@nobody7817]

Hard to believe that it is 3258 and this is STILL gold! Who is still listening to this in 3258?!?!?

[@Hitoshi862]

whos listening in 2024

[@davyhenry8985]

Me

[@Chubby01]

Me from Hong Kong

[@juliaestelagarciaparra7262]

Yooooo. Gracias a Dios .

[@briannamancini]

🙋‍♀️

[@dennismclaurin1487]

5-16-

[@EugenioMartos-lh2qg]

Hi I’m 77 years old and still listening to this fabulous group, The Platters headed by Mr. Tony Williams

[@sonyafloyd2618]

The older music is the best music. I love it too. The Platters' music.... I'm older too-(60+ of age).happily!!!

[@theodoresweger4948]

Love how they smile when singing, so beautiful and the memoriies...... Thanks

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Yes and the young woman was such a cutie

[@pilarcarrasco2511]

I LOVE this group and their songs!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎼🎼🎼👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Gladriel-Llorian]

Fantastic band with so many great songs ❤

[@puffley1912]

Still a perfect song after all these years! Thank you for sharing.

[@earlenem5745]

Wow when I was young this was absolutely my favorite song truly miss what America was our grandkids and great grandbabies will never know the feeling of what America was meant to truly be😢😢

[@sonjatait4089]

Oh my word, absolutely timeless!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@t-squared1882]

Excellent work in remastering. Can’t beat the classics, the quality of his voice is outstanding

[@garycampbell1985]

I was only a kid when this came out it taught one thing this is pure music

[@Calvin....68]

*Эта песня как вино. Чем старше это становится тем лучше это становится. Никогда не устаю от этой старой песни.👍❤🎵😊*

[@user-dr4nt5fn2u]

Все уже давно в царстве Теней . Зола Мэй Тейлор ушла в апреле 2007. В Райском саду услаждают слух постояльцев своим задушевным лирическим пением .

[@delfin.27]

Osjećaji,osjećaji i emocija srce se topi.Ovo je za sva vremena hvala.

[@alfredocrn]

This song. I replay it over and over. I Don't get tired it. Love it.

[@ameliacullen389]

Wonderful,even in this day and age,this is a wonderful version of,one of the best. and they look so happy. The Platters were a fabulous group.❤❤

[@user-br8hx6dh4o]

Какие симпатяги! Славные ребята. Голос у солиста просто восхитительный.Слушать их - огромное удовольствие и наслаждение. Сейчас такой качественной музыки очень мало.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Nothing like listening to ( and watching) the Platters for therapeutic means

[@brush1944]

your work is of the highest quality, unique on youtube. THANK YOU

[@Miaou12]

Dude, that sound quality!!! With my headphone on, it's like I'm discovering that song again! Love it

[@alexandrecosta1076]

Sou do Brasil não sou velho mas via meu Pai curtir estas músicas , que época mágica que gostaria ter vivido 😩

[@jimmycain8669]

All over the radio back when it came out.

[@walterhaffield328]

I'm listening March 2024 , great song

[@LFAN5151]

Lovely group and song The Platters. I loved it since my teenage and still in my heart and soul.

[@fredhuston7865]

I'm Freddy I'm 72 and I'm still listening !!!

[@programmer6428]

keep it on freddy, we must enjoy every last second of this wonderful life!

[@pubudu666]

Other Fredy did a good cover too... 😊

[@bertrand-sd4nl]

Tony Williams is the greatest singer in history of pop music.

[@johnjay2717]

Another beauty of the many songs from the Platters that is so precious and powerful to bring up the memories of the past romantic times. Thank you.

[@bgwhitephd]

Saw them live in Raleigh NC in 1964 still remember every song!!!

[@Rrtopdeals]

Brasileiros em 2024 que curtem?

[@marthaimeldasandovalareval8230]

PRESENTE AQUÍ EN JUNIO1 DEL 2024, CON LA MÚSICA QUE LLEGÓ PARA QUEDARSE 💚💟❤️💞💯

[@itslauramichelle992]

Goosebumps! 1982 kiddo here, and I love the "oldies", when music was music :)

[@SundaeExpress]

Like it still is, unless you're a blinkered snob.

[@beckyordiway7752]

What beautiful voices❤

[@Safeni21]

Songs like this never get old

[@maribethdelizon1171]

Still Listening 2024

[@gracegladin2368]

I danced many many times by this song.

[@Zeusanando]

Idid it to!

[@Texgreycloud]

If a biopic movie is made on The Platters, I would definitely watch it. Great song.

[@lourdes-amaliatalbert748]

Yeah, me too. I'm surprised that one hasn't been made.

[@larrymead151]

They'd have to dub the vocals.

[@josephlemko3027]

This recording has been a favorite of mine since the 50s. Tony Wiliams' voice is unbelievable

[@micro77s]

This is truly amazing and wonderful. Tony and the group would be so proud.

[@rma3_3_3]

A fantastic song that's telling us all a story ofcourse- ♡♡♡

[@mikemasterton]

Fabulous band.

[@aj-tp2yh]

Beautiful

[@geraldjaypradoprado5151]

Already 2024.. Good music never gets old..

[@iraneidealmeida6313]

Que voz perfeita. The Platters é atemporal! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@joycemcclure9158]

A great song ❤ good song

[@marcosazevedorr]

Maravilhosos

[@HugoPiback]

Vc percebe que a Musia e boa, quando ela tem mais de 60 anos, e ainda e conhecida mundialmente.

[@carlotamotaarcos1444]

Retrwre3te2😊yutejdr😊😊ghy❤ghhyuy4😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤gtyyyyyretghhrrergggggggtttgggttþtttyyyy

[@flynnnewsblog9627]

Those were the days where they really made great music. Just love the platters.

[@JoannBlanding-tl9wk]

Excellent

[@sprague49]

Tony Williams' vocals are not of this earth and who can't take their eyes off the beautiful Zola Taylor?

[@shaymoore1260]

Loved them when I was a boy in the 1950s and still love them 65 years later

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

It's 2023 and some classic songs never get old, no matter how much time passes....

[@keithdavies1395]

You're not wrong. UK 🇬🇧

[@anidgomes2380]

@@keithdavies1395🇧🇷🥰👏👏👏