Money Honey (Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters song) – 1953
“Money Honey” is a song written by Jesse Stone, which was released in September 1953 by Clyde McPhatter backed for the first time by the newly formed Drifters. McPhatter’s voice, but not his name, had become well known as the lead singer for Billy Ward and the Dominoes. The song was an immediate hit and remained on the rhythm and blues charts for 23 weeks, peaking at #1. Rolling Stone ranked it #252 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The recording was reported to have sold in excess of two million by 1968.
The song (written by Jesse Stone) tells the story of a man who has run out of money, and hopes his woman will help him out:
The song was recorded on August 9, 1953, at Atlantic Studios and featured Clyde McPhatter (lead), Bill Pinkney (baritone), Andrew “Bubba” Thrasher (second tenor), Gerhart “Gay” Thrasher (top tenor), and Willie Ferbie (bass). Walter Adams was the guitarist for the record.
The recording features Mickey Baker on gutar.
and Sam “the Man” Taylor on tenor sax. The arrangement starts with a bagpipe-like drone from the Drifters setting up a shuffle rhythm. McPhatter’s voice is clear and bright and in the midst of the sax solo he gives off a monumental scream.