Rudy Lewis (born Charles Rudolph Harrell; August 23, 1936 – May 20, 1964) was an American rhythm and blues singer known for his work with the Drifters.
He was one of only two males to have sung with the Clara Ward Singers[1] and sang with the gospel group right up to the day before he auditioned for The Drifters at Philadelphia's Uptown Theater.
Drifters manager George Treadwell hired Lewis on the spot to be the group's lead vocalist, a position formerly held by Ben E. King.
[2] Lewis sang lead on a string of hits, including "Please Stay", "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Up On The Roof" and "On Broadway".
[5] On May 21, 1964, when the group was due to record "Under the Boardwalk," which had been written for Lewis, he was found dead in his Harlem hotel room, where he had died the previous night.