I'm currently involved in a research project dealing with BBC Radio sessions. I wondered if anyone here has ever heard reference to The Drifters appearing on The Carroll Levis Talent Show on the BBC Light Programme.
The show was broadcast on 18th February 1959 and recorded on 31st January 1959. The Drifters performed Wake Up Irene.
I have not been able to determine if this is "our" Drifters. I could not find any further details at the BBC Written Archive but given that Cliff and The Drifters had been well known for the best part of 4 months by that time, it would be surprising if another English group was operating with the same name. It does not appear to be the American Drifters who as far as i can tell were at least an ocean away on this date.
Cliff and The Drifters also performed on Oh Boy that day but theoretically the band could have squeezed in a radio recording at a London studio. The choice of song is unusual too although Feelin' Fine hadn't been released at the time of the show's recording so may not have been considered.
Anyone know anything about this, seen a reference by the band to an appearance on this show or know of another UK Drifters from this period ?