Last of The Drifters, Bill Pinkney, dies at 81

NEW YORK, July 5 (Reuters) Rhythm and blues singer Bill Pinkney, the last surviving member of The Drifters, was found dead in his hotel just hours before he was due to perform in a July 4 celebration, police today said.

Police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said 81-year-old Pinkney was found dead yesterday evening at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida. There was no suspicious circumstances.

Pinkney, who had suffered health problems, was scheduled to perform with The Original Drifters that night for US Independence Day festivities.

The Drifters were known for such hits as ''Money Honey,'' ''Under the Boardwalk,'' and the 1954 cover version of ''White Christmas.'' Pinkney, a war veteran and former pitcher for the New York Blue Sox Baseball team, was the only surviving member of the group that was formed in 1953. He left the group in 1958 in a row over money and set up The Original Drifters.

Seven members of The Drifters, including Pinkney, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

REUTERS SY HS2221