Drifters: The Best R&B; Group of the ‘50s : THE DRIFTERS: “Rockin’ & Driftin’ ” Rhino (****)

Before Elvis Presley and Little Richard focused attention on individual performers, the kings of rock ‘n’ roll were the great R&B; vocal groups--most of whom have been saluted with their own best-of CDs.

Among the landmark groups from the ‘50s:

* Hank Ballard & the Midnighters. This Detroit outfit had more than a dozen Top 10 R&B; hits, including the scandalous “Work With Me Annie” and the pre-Chubby Checker version of “The Twist.” A best-of is available on Rhino Records.

* The Orioles. Reportedly named after the Maryland state bird, this Baltimore group had nine Top 10 singles, most notably “Crying in the Chapel.” No Orioles CD is believed to be available.

* The Clovers. This outstanding Washington, D.C., group had almost two-dozen Top 10 hits, including the sweet “Lovey Dovey” and the spirited “Your Cash Ain’t Nothing but Trash.” A CD on Atlantic Records.

* The Coasters. This Los Angeles group’s records are always described as novelties but there was a quality and craft to them that made them far more distinguished than the term suggests. Among its Top 10 hits: “Searchin’ ” and “Poison Ivy.” A Rhino CD.

* Billy Ward & the Dominoes. An especially strong entry formed in New York and containing, at least briefly, such extraordinary singers as Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson. The dozen hits included “Sixty Minute Man” and “Have Mercy Baby.” A best-of on Rhino.

Great memories all--so you realize how phenomenal the Drifters were when you consider that the group deserves the title of the greatest R&B; group of rock’s first decade, even if you only considered the records contained on the first of the three discs in this delightful set.

That first disc contains 26 tracks, 14 of which were hits, including the classics “Money Honey,” “White Christmas” and “Such a Night.”

The star of the group in the early days was McPhatter, whom Atlantic Records’ Ahmet Ertegun formed the Drifters around after hearing him with the Dominoes. McPhatter went solo in 1955 and had such hits as “Treasure of Love” and “A Lover’s Question” (both included in this box set).

Even after McPhatter, however, the Drifters continued to turn out hits, thanks to such subsequent lead singers as Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis and Johnny Moore. Among them: “There Goes My Baby,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Up on the Roof” and “Under the Boardwalk.” (King’s solo hits, including “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand by Me,” are also in the set.)

In his liner notes, Billy Vera traces the many twists in the Drifters’ career, stressing the importance of the writers and producers who helped shape the group’s sound. It’s a team that over the years included Ertegun, Jerry Wexler, Jesse Stone, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman, Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Phil Spector, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

As well as tracing the history of the Drifters and its numerous lineup shifts, Vera also outlines the evolution of the R&B; vocal group tradition. It’s a splendid tribute to a magnificent moment in American pop history.

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