Last surviving Drifter dies
NME Logo
Bill Pinkney found dead in Florida hotel
Bill Pinkney, the last surviving member of The Drifters died yesterday (July 4), aged 81.
Pinkney was found dead at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida, police did not reveal the cause of death but said it was not suspicious. Pinkney’s manager said the singer had health problems.
Pinkney was due to perform with his band at July 4 celebrations in Daytona Beach.
Despite his death, the band went ahead with Wednesday’s show.
Pinkney left the group in 1958 but held on to the name and went on to fight for laws to allow a group to hold on to the name only if an original member is in the group.
He will be buried in South Carolina.
--By our New York staff.
Find out more about NME.
Pinkney was found dead at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida, police did not reveal the cause of death but said it was not suspicious. Pinkney’s manager said the singer had health problems.
Pinkney was due to perform with his band at July 4 celebrations in Daytona Beach.
Despite his death, the band went ahead with Wednesday’s show.
Pinkney left the group in 1958 but held on to the name and went on to fight for laws to allow a group to hold on to the name only if an original member is in the group.
He will be buried in South Carolina.
--By our New York staff.
Find out more about NME.
NME
Lil Scrappy stabbed in fight, arrested
Rockness Festival
Kitsuné Maison 5 preview minimix - Kitsuné Maison 5 preview minimix- Listen to the best new bands coming up in 2008! - Foals (pic), Black Kids & more.
- The Mighty Boosh Footage - The Mighty Boosh Footage
- NME Presents The Essential Bands (Part Three) - Featuring; Biffy Clyro, The Cribs, Bloc Party, Keane & many more.
- NME Presents The Essential Bands ( Part Two) - Featuring; Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Maccabees, Arctic Monkeys, Babyshambles & many more.
NME Alerts
Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more
Add your comment
Please sign in to add your comments or register to have your say.