Clyde Lensley McPhatter, born November 15, 1932, was a rhythm and blues, soul, and rock & roll vocalist from the United States. He was a crucial character in the formation of doo-wop and R&B and was one of the most frequently imitated R&B singers of the 1950s and early 1960s.
He grew up in a Baptist household as the son of Rev. George McPhatter and his wife Beulah (some accounts refer to her as Eva). He began singing in his father’s church gospel choir at the age of five, along with his three brothers and three sisters. Clyde was the choir’s soprano soloist when he was 10 years old.
McPhatter returned to his job as a store manager in 1950 after winning the coveted Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater event, 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.
Where did Clyde McPhatter go to college and high school?
Rev. McPhatter relocated his family to Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1945, where Clyde attended Chelsior High School.
After graduating from high school, he worked part-time as a grocery store clerk and was promoted to shift manager.
The family then moved to New York City, where Clyde founded the Mount Lebanon Singers, a gospel group.
