The Flying Platters Around The World

My Old Flame

The Flying Platters
Around The World
Photo by Herman Leonard
Mercury Records MG 20366
1958

From the back cover: Jules Verne's "Around The World In 80 Days" has nothing on the fabulous Mercury Recording Stars – The Flying Platters. They many have taken a little longer, but their reward has been a host of friends in every country visited. They have been in such great demand these past two years, that it was useless for them to own cars for transportation – thus their name – The Platters have automatically been changed to The Flying Patters.

In January, 1957, they were in Australia, Singapore and The Philippines; then returned to the United States to do a rush picture for American International and several TV appearances – Ed Sullivan, Perry Como, Jackie Gleason, etc. then off again to England where they toured ten weeks hitting Scotland and Ireland and ending with a triumphant debut at the London Palladium.

Returning from England in May – by June they were in South America as stars of a gigantic stage show at the Opera Theatre in Buenos Aires. The show was so successful it was extended for twelve more weeks and then taken on tour to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Montevideo and other cities and countries. Wherever they went, it was impossible for them to appear on the streets either as a group or individually for they were recognized and swamped for autographs.

Upon the close of the tour in October they flew direct to Paris for three weeks at the Olympia Music Hall where they broke all existing attendance records with complete sell-outs every night. Before the engagement was half finished, Empressario Burno Coquatrix had signed them for five months tour through 22 cities in at least 12 countries on the continent starting April 17th of this year.

From the first day the idea of "The Flying Platters Around The World" album was conceived, much thought and planning has gone into its creation. The influence of their world travels have been shown clearly with the selection of each song, and the cover was planned in the same manner. The picture for the cover was shot in Paris by Mercury Photographer Herman Leonard where he and Buck Ram – Musical Manager of The Platters took into careful consideration the individual personality of each "Platter" before choosing the costume he should wear. The final result was well worth every effort and is bound to do much to sell the album.

Although a little reluctant at first, Tony Williams looks perfectly at home in his "Scotch Kilt"; David Lynch suits his French Policeman's outfit to a "tee"; Paul Robi could be an authentic "Maharaja" in real life, and of course – young Miss Zola Taylor represents the "Dish of the World" – Sophisticated Personified" in her beautiful white beaded French Chemise – designed for her by one of the leading designers of Paris and presented as a gift for this particular picturesque "Goucho". The charm and originality of this attractive cover should make it a prize for every album collector.

From Billboard - April 7, 1958: The Platters' current disk "Twilight Time." (included in this LP) is stirring up some action in singles field right now, which should help this album sales-wise. The group registers strongly on a group of standards and effective international selections – "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen," "My Old Flame," etc.

Whispering Wind
It's Raining Outside (Chove La Fora)
I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen
For The First Time (Come Prima)
My Serenade
But Not Like You
My Old Flame
Don't Blame Me
Sleepy Time Gal
That Old Feeling
Try A Little Tenderness
Twilight Time