Featuring a smooth sophisticated sound and the superb lead tenor of Tony Williams, the Platters were among the most successful black vocal groups of the '50s. One of the first such groups regularly to ascend the pop charts and enjoy massive popularity with white audiences, the Platters helped launch doo wop music and influenced generations of vocal groups with their harmonies and arrangements.

The Platters were founded Los Angeles, California in 1953, the same year original members Tony Williams, David Lynch, Alex Hodge, and Herb Reed were signed by manager Buck Ram to Federal Records. Ram had originally met the Platters while they were working as parking lot attendants.

Buck Ram

Buck had a long career as an arranger for big bands like Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie after earning a law degree at University of Illinois and studying music at Southwestern University.

After a few unsuccessful records, Ram replace Hodge with Paul Robi and to soften the group's sound added Zola Taylor, who belonged to one of his other acts Shirley Gunter and the Queens.

ALTHOUGH REACHING THE BOTTOM OF THE R&B CHARTS IN THE USA, THESE TWO GREAT SIDES NEVER MADE IT IN THE UK AND THIS RARE BLACK MERCURY 78 (THE FIRST ISSUE ON THE LABEL) IS VERY HARD TO FIND!!

Words and Music by Ram & Madi

I wish, I wish, I wish, I wish for you
I wish, I wish, I wish, I wish for you

I wish you were always with a smile
I wish you were happy all the while
I wish you were never in despair
And life could be a sweet affair
I wish that my love could bring to you
Happiness and joy to cling to you
All the things that gives a lover's wings
Are all the things I wish for

(Chorus)
I wish somehow we could always be
Finding sunshine hiding misery
I wish someday we would never part
And love would start from heart to heart
All these happy things I wish for you
All the wondrous things and dreams we knew
Living, loving things that lovers do
They do come true, my wishes
(Repeat entire chorus)

B SIDE:- IT'S RAINING OUTSIDE (Ram, Madi)

Inside, outside
Inside, outside

Oh, darling let me in
It's raining outside
Please let forgive me soren (???)
It's raining outside

Oh, let my arms return
To hold you near me
Your darling heart must learn
I love you dearly

Oh, darling please be kind
Don't leave me outside
Outside your heart am I
Oh, take me inside

The rings in my heart (???)
And my heart cries
Our love dies
Our love dies

It's inside raining outside
Inside, outside
Inside, outside

The rings in my heart (???)
And my heart cries
Our love dies
Our love dies

It's inside raining outside inside
Inside, outside