Drifters star Pinkney dies at 81

War veteran Pinkney celebrated his 80th birthday in August 2005

Bill Pinkney, the last surviving member of the original 1953 Drifters line-up, has died at the age of 81.

The rhythm and blues singer was found dead at his hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, a police spokesman said.

Pinkney, who had suffered health problems, was scheduled to perform with The Original Drifters at the resort as part of the 4th of July celebrations.

His death was announced after the show. The Drifters' hits include I Gotta Get Myself a Woman and Money Honey.

His distinctive bass voice can also be heard on their 1954 cover version of White Christmas, which was used in the film Home Alone.

Legal battle

However, Pinkney was not with the group when they recorded their biggest hits, Under the Boardwalk and Save The Last Dance For Me, having left the line-up in 1958 over an argument about money.

Following his departure from the group, Pinkney founded The Original Drifters, and continued recording under that name.

In the late 1960s he fought a successful legal battle to allow performers or bands to claim an affiliation with a classic group like The Drifters only if at least one member recorded with the original group.

Seven members of The Drifters, including Pinkney, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Pinkney's manager, Maxine Porter, declined to discuss his cause of death.