The Platters’ “The Great Pretender” is an iconic song that has stood the test of time. Released in 1959, it topped charts in the US, UK, and the Netherlands and has since been covered by many artists. The song has a rich history and a unique sound that can be traced back to the rock and R&B genres of the era.
At the time, the song was not known as “doo wop,” a term that came into use later when oldies DJ Gus Gossert began to describe this type of music. Instead, the term was coined by record collector Stan Krause, who helped produce Gossert’s shows and gave him information on songs to use on the air.
“The Great Pretender” was written by Buck Ram, The Platters’ producer, who needed a follow-up to the group’s first hit, “Only You.” Working quickly, he wrote the lyrics in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, where the group was performing. The song tells the story of a man who denies his heartbreak by pretending to be happy.
The song’s melody and lyrics have a unique sound that has stood the test of time. The Platters’ harmonies are perfectly blended, and the addition of Zola Taylor’s voice adds an extra dimension to the song. Taylor was brought in as the only female member of The Platters and was Frankie Lymon’s second wife. Halle Berry portrayed her in the movie “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” and died from a stroke in 2007 at 69.
“The Great Pretender” has been used in several movies, including “Rock Around The Clock” and “American Graffiti,” along with two other Platters hits, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “Only You.”
One of the most exciting covers of the song was by Freddie Mercury, who revived “The Great Pretender” in 1987. Mercury’s version didn’t impact America but went to #4 in the UK.
The YouTube comments on the video of The Platters’ performance of “The Great Pretender” are overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the song’s “unique” and “marvelous” sound. One comment describes it as a “masterpiece,” while another calls The Platters the “greatest group of all times in the 50’s.”
If you haven’t heard “The Great Pretender” by The Platters, it’s worth a listen. The song’s unique sound and history make it a true classic. So share it with your friends because it’s a timeless masterpiece that should be enjoyed by generations to come.
