Last surviving Drifter dies

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.