The Platters in Paris - 1958

Historic art drawn while the Platters were in Paris digitally restored and reimagined by Melvin Hale, Ph.D.

"The Platters in Paris" is a captivating piece that masterfully captures the essence of mid-20th century poster art. The artwork presents a lively and nostalgic scene featuring The Platters, four men and a woman elegantly dressed in formal attire. The men are depicted in suits with bow ties, exuding a sophisticated aura, while the woman shines in a glamorous gown. Their expressive, smiling faces convey a sense of camaraderie and joy, adding a layer of warmth and connection among the characters.

The artwork is rendered on stretched canvas and then hand glazed, which enhances the vibrancy of its bold lines and rich colors, echoing the graphic style of the era. The composition is both dynamic and cohesive, balancing the retro aesthetics with a touch of modern flair. The text "The Platters in Paris" is prominently featured, adding a whimsical yet classy element that ties the visual narrative to a specific cultural and historical context.

Inspired by The Platters, a renowned American vocal group known for their role in bridging traditional Tin Pan Alley music and the emerging rock and roll genre, this piece is a tribute to their monumental influence on the music world. It captures not just the visual elegance of the group, but also the spirit and the significant legacy they left behind.

This artwork stands out with its unique origin story, as it was derived from a torn piece originally crafted by an unknown street artist in Paris. The Platters recorded their legendary ballad "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" in Paris in October 1958 while on tour. The song was originally recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1933-34. It reached number one on the Pop charts in June 1959 and was also number one on the R&B charts. It was the Platters' only number one record in Britain, and also hit the top spot in Australia. 

This unexpected foundation adds an intriguing layer of complexity and serendipity to the creative process, blending the spontaneity of street art with the intentional homage to music history.