In the rich tapestry of American popular music, few vocal groups have left as indelible a mark as The Platters, and their 1956 hit “To Each His Own” stands as a shining example of the group’s unparalleled artistry and enduring appeal.
From the opening bars of the song, The Platters’ signature sound, characterized by its lush, harmonious vocals and emotive, expressive delivery, captivates the listener. Lead singer Tony Williams’ velvety, baritone croon effortlessly navigates the song’s wistful, soulful melody, infusing each lyric with a palpable sense of melancholy and heartbreak.
The song’s elegant, restrained arrangement, featuring a gentle, jazz-inflected piano accompaniment and subtle orchestral flourishes, provides the perfect backdrop for The Platters’ vocal prowess, creating a sonic landscape that is both musically sophisticated and emotionally resonant. The interplay between the lead vocals and the group’s rich, harmonious backing, combined with the track’s lyrical poignancy, elevates “To Each His Own” to a level of timeless, enduring beauty.
Lyrically, “To Each His Own” is a poetic exploration of the bittersweet complexities of love and loss, with the song’s timeless, universal themes resonating with listeners across generations. The Platters’ emotive, nuanced delivery brings the words to life, imbuing them with a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion that is both heartbreaking and profoundly cathartic.
In the annals of The Platters’ remarkable discography, “To Each His Own” stands as a true landmark, a testament to the group’s unparalleled vocal artistry and their ability to craft songs that are both musically and emotionally captivating. The song’s enduring popularity and status as a cherished standard of the pop ballad genre is a reflection of its timeless appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
The Platters’ “To Each His Own” is a shining example of the power of music to transcend the boundaries of time and space, to speak to the very depths of the human experience, and to leave an indelible mark on the collective cultural consciousness. The song’s haunting elegance, its ability to evoke a profound emotional response, and its enduring legacy as a beloved classic of the American songbook are a testament to the enduring artistry and influence of this seminal vocal group.
