This 1996 release on the Federal label contains every track the Platters recorded for Federal / King, including 3 sides they did with Linda Hayes (real name Bertha Williams), the sister of Platters lead singer Tony Williams. It is the CD version of an LP which was released by King in the mid-1970s. "19 Hits," however, is a misnomer; NONE of the Platters' work on Federal or King ever charted, and the package even includes two tracks which were originally unreleased. However, this fact does not detract from the value of this collection, which is "budget priced" at around $10.
While not "hits," many of the tracks have become vocal group harmony "classics," such as the first recording of Only You (but this track has been overdubbed with whistling which detracts from its enjoyment in your reviewer's opinion) and the under-rated Tell The World, which Slim Rose of Times Square Records was instrumental in getting re-released in the early 1960s. Even though the Platters first cut Only You while still with Federal, Syd Nathan didn't actually release it until their later Mercury recording was beginning to climb the charts near the end of 1955.
Lots of quality material here. My recommendation - "buy it."
The track listing shows the first release record numbers and approximate original release dates for all released tracks. Several tracks were released on more than one single; but later releases are not indicated below.
Track Listing:
1. Only You (Federal 12244) Dec 1955
2. I'll Cry When You're Gone (Federal 12164) Feb 1954
3. Give Thanks (Federal 12153) Dec 1953
4. (Love) All Night (Federal 12188) Jul 1954
5. Roses Of Picardy (Federal 12181) May 1954
6. Beer Barrel Boogie (Federal 12181) May 1954
7. My Name Ain't Annie - Linda Hayes (King 4752) Nov 1954
8. Please Have Mercy - Linda Hayes & the Platters (King 4773) Feb 1955
9. Oochi Pachi - Linda Hayes & the Platters (King 4773) Feb 1955
10. Tell The World (Federal 12188) Jul 1954
11. I Need You All The Time (Federal 12164) Feb 1954
12. Take Me Back (Federal 12204) Dec 1954
13. Hey Now (Federal 12153) Dec 1953
14. You Made Me Cry (Federal 12244) Dec 1955
15. Voo Vee Ah Bee (Federal 12198) Sep 1954
16. Maggie Doesn't Work Here Anymore (Federal 12204) Dec 1954
17. Shake It Up Mambo (Federal 12198) Sep 1954
18. Don't Tickle (Federal unreleased - recorded 20 May 1954)
19. Humble Bumble Bee (Federal unreleased - recorded 20 May 1954)
