The Platters Still Serving Up Hits

(CBS)  In the mid-1950s, rock 'n' roll was shaking up the airwaves, and one of the early vocal groups to give it life was The Platters. In "The Early Show"'s "Time Machine" series, "The Platters" appeared on the broadcast.

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Over the past half-century, the group has gone through some changes, including the addition of new members.

However, as "Early Show" substitute co-anchor Debbye Turner Bell said, the group can still make you feel special -- like they're singing only to you.

The Platters started playing their hit songs in 1953. The group was so big, so fast, that they were even featured in the first movie about the new rock 'n' roll era, "Rock Around the Clock," which was released in 1956.

There were many incarnations of "The Platters" over the years with several different members. However, Bell said, whenever the group hits the stage, the sound is unmistakable and unforgettable.

Currently led by the only surviving original member Herb Reed, The Platters have sold a reported 250 million records, and are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group's hits include "The Great Pretender," "Only You" and " Smoke Gets In Your Eyes."

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On "The Early Show," Reed said the rendition of the song "Only You" was actually a mistake. He said as the band was driving to their manager's office, they hit a pothole, leading the singer to make the "ah ah" sound that's become such an important part of that song.

As for the new members of the group, Wayne Miller, a vocalist in the group, said they've learned to move together as a group over the years.

"The Platters were very smooth, and we don't do a whole lot, but we all just move together and kind of sway back and forth," Miller said. "And Herb has taken us all around the world, Denmark and Finland, and it's been great."