THE DRIFTERS - ''PLEASE STAY'' (1961)

"Please Stay" (also known as "(Don't Go) Please Stay") is an early hit of The Drifters featuring the new lead singer Rudy Lewis, who replaced Ben E. King. It is one of songwriter Burt Bacharach's early pop hits, featuring Dionne Warwick's sister Dee Dee Warwick and Doris Troy on background vocals. This and "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Sweets for My Sweet" were all recorded in the same session. The musicians who backed the Drifters on this record include George Barnes and Allan Hanlon on guitar, Abie Baker on Bass, Bobby Rosengarden and Ray Kessler on percussion and Ed Shaughnessey and Gary Chester on drums.

The song was covered by The Cryin' Shames (1966, UK #26), Lulu (Melody Fair album, 1970), The Bay City Rollers (1974), Jonathan Butler (1975, SA #2) [1] Elvis Costello on Kojak Variety (1995), Marc Almond (2001) and Zoot Money, who also changed the lyrics.

Peter Kember recorded the song with his band Spectrum, released on the 1992 EP True Love Will Find You in the End.[2]

"Please Stay" was covered by Welsh singer Duffy for the deluxe edition her debut album, Rockferry, adapting The Cryin' Shames' arrangement.