Vocal group visit Ohakune

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 25, 17 November 1987, Page 5

Vocal group visit Ohakune

When Billy Washington was a small boy in Los A n g e 1 e s he had only one ambition - to lead his own vocal group. From the mid-50s onwards he worked with a selection of touring groups culminating in a stint with 'The Drifters'. His special abilities and ease in handling the material led to demand for a group of his own, resulting in the formation of Billy Washington's Drifters of 1964. At this time he teamed with Jimmy Hazley and two others and formed a four-piece group that toured

extensively throughout the United States, Canada and South America over the next decade. In 1975 another reshuffle took place. The other two members left and Wayne Foster joined the group just prior to a tour of Australia and New Zealand. Since that time this world-class group has been pounding out their own special brand of rock 'n' roll to audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

In 1982 the Drifters returned to the recording studio and work began on producing Billy Washington's Drifters in 1982. A decision was made to record in Australia with Doug Trevor as producer. The first single "You're So Good To Me" and "Hard Way To Go" has attracted interest already from recording companies in Europe, South Africa and United States. Billy Washington's Drifters have toured Australia and New Zealand each year since 1976.