Clyde Lensley McPhatter, born November 15, 1932, was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock & roll vocalist. He was a pivotal figure in the development of doo-wop and R&B, and he was a well-known R&B performer in the 1950s and early 1960s.
As the son of Rev. George McPhatter and his wife Beulah, he was nurtured in a Baptist home (some accounts refer to her as Eva). At the age of five, he joined his father’s church gospel choir, along with his three brothers and three sisters. When Clyde was ten years old, he was the choir’s soprano soloist.
After winning the coveted Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater event in 1950, McPhatter returned to his profession as a store manager, but was later recruited by Billy Ward and his Dominoes and was there for the recording of “Sixty Minute Man” for Federal Records, produced by Ralph Bass.
What was Clyde McPhatter biggest hit?
His biggest success is “A Lover’s Question.”
“A Lover’s Question” is Clyde McPhatter’s 1958 Pop, R&B smash. Brook Benton and Jimmy T. Williams wrote the song, which became Clyde McPhatter’s most successful Pop and R&B release. Noah Hopkins is the bass singer.
“A Lover’s Question” peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the R&B chart for one week.
Jacky Ward had a successful rendition of the song in 1978, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles list.
