Show business
has never a group quite like The Coasters. They occupy a special niche
in the music world. Because of their style & approach, they are in a
class of their own. No wonder The Coasters are labeled "The Clown Princes Of
Rock and Roll."
Nothing in the world is more difficult to achieve than a long-term career in the record business by being funny. But The Coasters have had a long unbroken string of hits all containing humorous materials. In this respect, The Coasters are certainly unique.
The Coasters first hit "Down In Mexico," was released in the Spring of the year 1956. This sold approximately 500,000 copies. In 1957 they hit the charts with a double-sided smash "Young Blood" the " A " side & "Searching" the " B " side. Each sold a million copies. This put The Coasters on the road to a long and successful career.
In 1958, The Coasters hit the charts again with two blockbuster hits "Yakety Yak" & "Charlie Brown." These stayed in the top ten for several weeks with "Yakety Yak" in the number 1 position & "Charlie Brown" in the number 2 position. From then on it was hit after hit with such songs as "Poison Ivy," " Along Came Jones," " Little Egypt," "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart," "Love Potion No. 9," "Baby That's Rock & Roll," & many, many more. All of The Coasters materials were written & produced by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, who also wrote for Elvis Presley, The Drifters, The Dixie Cups, Peggy Lee, & Willie May Thorton, just to name a few.
The original line-up
of The Coasters were the lead singer & founder of The Coasters Carl Gardner,
Billy Guy (baritone), Bobby Nunn (bass), & Leon Hughes (2nd tenor). This
line-up stayed together until 1957 when Leon Hughes & Bobby Nunn left
the group. Those two were then replaced by the late Will Jones and the late
Cornell Gunter.
In 1961, Cornel Gunter left & was replaced by Earl Speedo Carroll. Between 1961 & 1969. Jonea & Guy left the group to pursue personal careers. Ronald Bright replaced Will Jones in 1968.
Over forty years & The Coasters are still going strong under the leadership of Carl Gardner who still performs with the group & maintains the same style & quality of the fifties. He is also the exclusive owner of the Federal Trade Mark.
Though often imitated the Coasters can not be duplicated and continue to do what they do best, " entertain."
In 1987, The Coasters were the first group inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Later in 1996 they the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Inductees in London, England. In 1994 the group received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award & in 1999 they were The Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees. In 1997, Carl Gardner was honored by the Mayor of Port St. Lucie, Florida, & was given the key to the city for his lifelong contribution to the music industry.
On February 26, 2000, The Coasters were honored by President Bill Clinton in celebration of their 45th Anniversary in show business. This was held at the Club Med Resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida.