The Platters were a pioneering American vocal group formed in 1952, renowned for their smooth, melodic sound that helped define the doo-wop genre of the 1950s and early 1960s. Initially led by singer Tony Williams, the group achieved immense success with hits like "Only You," "The Great Pretender," and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," becoming the first African American group to reach international fame and regularly chart at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Known for their elegant harmonies and poignant lyrics, The Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential vocal groups in music history.