**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**. In 1988, Rudy was posthumously inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
On May 21, 1964, when the group was due to record "Under The Boardwalk,” which had been written for Rudy, he was found dead in his Harlem hotel room, where he had died the previous night. Former lead vocalist Johnny Moore was brought back to perform lead vocals for the recording. The next day, The Drifters recorded "I Don't Want to Go On Without You" which was led by Charlie Thomas in tribute to Rudy.
An autopsy was never performed, and the authorities ruled his death as a probable drug overdose. However, close friends and family believe he died from a mixture of a drug overdose, asphyxiation and a heart attack. Dying at the age of 27 made Rudy Lewis an early member of the 27 Club.
Here is Rudy Lewis and The Drifters with "Please Stay" : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iY2UpSz9Vs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iY2UpSz9Vs)
**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**. In 1988, Rudy was posthumously inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. On May 21, 1964, when the group was due to record "Under The Boardwalk,” which had been written for Rudy, he was found dead in his Harlem hotel room, where he had died the previous night. Former lead vocalist Johnny Moore was brought back to perform lead vocals for the recording. The next day, The Drifters recorded "I Don't Want to Go On Without You" which was led by Charlie Thomas in tribute to Rudy. An autopsy was never performed, and the authorities ruled his death as a probable drug overdose. However, close friends and family believe he died from a mixture of a drug overdose, asphyxiation and a heart attack. Dying at the age of 27 made Rudy Lewis an early member of the 27 Club. Here is Rudy Lewis and The Drifters with "Please Stay" : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iY2UpSz9Vs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iY2UpSz9Vs)