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The Platters' Herb Reed Dies at 83

Was last surviving original member of Fifties doo-wop group

Herb Reed (far left) with the Platters
Frank Driggs Collection/Getty Images
June 5, 2012 11:40 AM ET

Herb Reed of the Platters has died in a Boston area hospice, reports the Associated Press. He was 83. Reed helped found the Platters in Los Angeles in 1952, and the group found success with hits like "The Great Pretender" and "Only You." Reed, who sang bass on many of group's Number One hits, was the only member of the band to appear on all of their recordings.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Platters in 1990.

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