The Drifters singer Charlie Thomas has died at the age of 85.

[hollydolly]

The iconic performer passed away after battling liver cancer, his friend Peter Lemongello Jr revealed on Tuesday.

Charlie was a member of the doo-wop group for over 60 years, and sang the lead on songs including Sweets for My Sweet and There Goes My First Love.

Peter confirmed he died at his home in Bowie, Maryland, on January 31.

R.I.P

This was the first song Charlie performed Lead on...

 

[Lady]

RIP , seen The Drifters a couple of times..loved their music

 

[Pinky]

That is sad news. May he Rest In Peace.

 

[Devi]

Sorry to hear it. 'Tis a sad thing.

 

[Tempsontime65]

It's almost impossible to think of-The Drifters, without Charlie Thomas a legend of Rhythm An Blues group member...R.I.P.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

Wow..this is the first I'm seeing anything about his death. May he R.I.P. I was into their music by the time he was a lead singer but I didn't know his name. Around 1962, my BFF at the time and I were in Wildwood. We went to this hall (I forgot why) that was vacant during the day but the Drifters were appearing there, perhaps that night. The group was there checking out the venue and as we were about to leave, they filed out and one of them kissed me on the mouth...just a peck, but I was startled. By the time I reacted, they were gone. I couldn't even tell you which member it was. I do know it was not Ben E. King.

Also, my current BFF of 46 years, who has been a musician for just as long, played for The Drifters among other well known R & B & Pop acts back in the day.