In Memory of Joe Blunt, of the Drifters and Voices of Classic Soul

During his decade (1975-1985) as one of the lead singers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Drifters, Blunt was privileged to perform alongside the legendary Ben E. King (Stand By Me) and the great Johnny Moore (Under The Boardwalk). During this period, The Drifters experienced a significant career resurgence, especially in England, where the group returned to the top of the charts with several top 10 hits, major tours, and media appearances. 

Joe received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Sony Music for his service to the music industry as a member of The Drifters on the Bell/Arista Record labels. Sony Music also awarded Blunt a Gold Disc for his contributions to the compilation CD, "The Drifters: The Very Best Of," certified Gold in the U.K.

Blunt retired from The Drifters and returned to his musical roots as a gospel music performer in D.C.

He was also a member the trio “Voices Of Classic Soul". The group toured extensively all across the country and made dozens of media appearances, with Blunt singing lead on crowd-pleasing Drifters classics, including "Under The Boardwalk," "This Magic Moment," "On Broadway," "Up On The Roof," and King's "Stand By Me." Blunt retired from performing in 2023.

Joe Blunt began his singing career while a student at D.C.’s McKinley Tech High School, signing his first recording contract with Cap City Records as a member of The Chancellors. Joe was the lead singer on the group's 1968 debut single,” Sad Avenue.”

The group, however, may be best remembered as producing a future member of The Temptations, a member of The Platters, and, in 1975, Joe Blunt became a member of the legendary Drifters.