In 1953, bass singer Herb Reed put together a group of four singers called The Platters, an idea he got from a disc jockey referring to records as platters. The original group was made up of Reed, Joe Jefferson, Cornell Gunther and Alex Hodge. The original group got its start on a television show called "Ebony Showcase" with Cornell Gunther singing lead on a swing version of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Months later, David Lynch replaced Jefferson and Tony Williams replaced Gunther. While at an amateur show, Ralph Bass from Federal Records saw them perform with Reed singing lead and signed the group to its first recording contract. Late in 1953, the group signed a management contract with songwriter Buck Ram.

By the time the groundbreaking blockbuster Only You (and You Alone) hit the charts in 1955, Reed, Williams, Lynch, Paul Robi and Zola Taylor comprised The Platters. The song is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Platters have recorded more than 400 recordings, sold over 200 million records, performed in 91 countries, and have received more than 230 awards from all over the world. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Vocal Hall of Fame in 1998. Only You (and You Alone) received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999, with the 1956 tune The Great Pretender following soon after in 2002. The Platters also appeared in 27 movies including the well-known Rock Around the Clock and The Girl Can't Help It.

Although other members of the original group have left over the years, Reed has managed, performed and toured as The Platters or Herb Reed and The Platters since he founded the group and coined its name. His current group, now under the name Herb Reed's Platters, is the only one that includes a member of the original group and is made up of Reed, Wayne Miller, Sharla Soloman, William Newton and Billy Cox. In April 2005, Reed signed a management contract with Balboni Communications Group, LLC (BCGroup). Founded by entrepreneur and multi-media practitioner Frederick J. Balboni, Jr., BCGroup is an innovative, artist management and public relations firm with a focus on the entertainment industry. The company is headquartered just outside of Boston, Mass. with an additional office near Albany, N.Y.