The Drifters legend Charlie Thomas has died at the age of 85 following a battle liver cancer – as his friend pays tribute after a 60-year career
- The iconic performer passed away after battling liver cancer
- Charlie was a member of The Drifters for over 60 years, and sang the lead on songs including Sweets for My Sweet and There Goes My First Love
The Drifters singer Charlie Thomas has died at the age of 85.
The iconic performer passed away after battling liver cancer, his friend Peter Lemongello Jr revealed on Tuesday.
Charlie was a member of the doo-wop group for over 60 years, and sang the lead on songs including Sweets for My Sweet and There Goes My First Love.
Peter confirmed he died at his home in Bowie, Maryland, on January 31.
He told The New York Times: ‘He was ageing, but he was active almost every weekend.
RIP: The Drifters singer Charlie Thomas has died at the age of 85 (pictured performing in 2016)
‘Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill.’
Charlie also performed the lead vocals on When My Little Girl Is Smiling in 1962, with the song reaching number 28 on the US charts.
Known for his distinctive tenor voice, he also provided vocals for tracks such as There Goes My Baby, Under The Boardwalk and Up on the Roof.
The Drifters were first formed back in 1953, but Charlie did not join the group until 1959, having previously performed with a band  called The Five Crowns at a theatre in Harlem.
Manager George Treadwell had previously decided to fire the group’s entire lineup after one member became drunk and swore at him.