 Show business has never seen a group quite like The Coasters. They occupy a special niche in the music field. Because of their style and approach, they are in a class of their own. No wonder The Coasters are labeled "The Clown Prince's of Rock and Roll." Nothing in the world is more difficult to achieve than a long-term career in the record business by being funny. But The Coasters have had a long unbroken string of hits all containing humorous materials. In this respect, The Coasters are certainly unique. The Coasters's first hit "Down in Mexico" was released in the spring of 1956. It sold approximately 500,000 copies. In 1957 they hit the chart with a double-sided smash "Young Blood" the "A" side and "Searchin'" the "B" side. Each sold a million copies. This put The Coasters on the road to a long career. Today The Coasters consists of Carl Gardner, lead, Ronald Bright, bass, J.W. Lance, baritone, Alvin Morse, second tenor and Thomas Palmer, musical director and arranger. Over forty years and The Coasters are still going strong under the leadership of Carl Gardner, the original lead singer and founder of the Coasters, who still performs with the group and maintains the same style and qualities of the fifties. Carl Gardner is also the exclusive owner of the U.S. Federal trademark. On January 21, 1987, The Coasters was the first group to be inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The Coasters was also honored with the Rhythm and Blues Pioneer Award in 1994, London Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1996 and 1999 The Vocal Hall of Fame. If 1997 Carl Gardner was honored by the Mayor of Port St. Lucie, Florida and was given the key to the city, and was also honored by Lawton Chiles the late Governor of Florida for his lifetime contribution to the music industry. Carl Gardner was presented with a plaque from President Clinton in honor of The Coasters 45^th Anniversary which was held at Club Med Country Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Though often imitated, The Coasters has never been duplicated, and it continues to do what they do best, "Entertain".
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