The Platters merged Tin Pan Alley pop with just enough R&B grit to prefigure what came to be known as soul, and they were one of the most important vocal groups of the 1950s. The Platters were instrumental in putting black vocal groups on the pop map, charting with a dozen gold singles including the acknowledged classics "Only You" and "The Great Pretender," and their cover of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," originally recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1933, has become the definitive version of this beautiful song. This 20-track collection has all three of these hits, and includes most of the group's other essential sides, making it a nice introduction to this important group. ~ Steve Leggett
