Record #0045: Save the Last Dance For Me / Nobody But Me – THE DRIFTERS

Atlantic 2071 (original) USA, August 1960
Words & Music by:  Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
Musicians: Ben E. King (lead baritone), Charles Thomas (tenor), Doc Greene (baritone) Ellsbury Hobbs (bass vocals), Billy Davis (guitar), drums and bass unknown, orchestra & choir by Stan Applebaum
Recording sessions:  New York, NY, May 19, 1960
Highest chart positions:  US #1, US R&B #1, UK #2

This was the Drifters’ last recording session with Ben E. King as the lead singer. King had major success with singles “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand By Me” the next year.

“Save the Last Dance For Me” became a huge hit and it has been covered later by many artists. One of the more recent covers was done by Michael Bublé in 2006.

Both the title song and “Nobody But Me” were produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

List price:  “Very Good+” is $10 and “Near Mint” is $20