INFORMATION FOR
The Drifters, one of the most successful vocal groups of all time, bring their classic hits to William Paterson University in Wayne on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8 p.m. as part of the WP Presents! series. The concert will be held in the Shea Center for Performing Arts on campus.
Through an historical journey, which included legendary lead singers including Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Clyde McPhatter and Ben E. King, the group's ongoing story has covered the entire spectrum of rock & roll. The Drifters were the first musical group to integrate string instruments into rhythm and blues music with their hauntingly beautiful song, “There Goes My Baby.” They were the first musical group to sell two million records with their pop classic, “Up on the Roof.”
Along with fellow inductees the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Supremes, the Drifters were in the first class of rock & roll legends to be initiated into the Hall of Fame and the first African American group to be inducted. Their classic tune “Under the Boardwalk” is the most played R & B record of all time. Their songs have been penned by such historic songwriters as Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Carole King, Jerry Goffen, and Phil Spector.
The Drifters have performed at the White House on three different occasions, gave a benefit concert in Berlin the day the wall fell, performed for the Pope, the Queen of England, and Nelson Mandela, and toured the world for the USO in three different war zones from Korea to Iraq.
Tickets are range from $43 to $63. Discounts are available for William Paterson faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as senior citizens. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, call the Shea Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 973-720-2371 or visit wp-presents.org.
