In 1953, bass singer Herb Reed founded and named The Platters— he went on to become a rock & roll, vocal group, and Grammy Hall of Fame artist, and the only member to appear on all 400+ recordings. Theirs was the first Black vocal group to reach international superstardom, setting a standard that still echoes through popular music today. The official Platters organization is carried forward by Herb Reed Enterprises, LLC, under Frederick J. Balboni, Jr. — Reed’s longtime manager and handpicked successor.
