At a time when much of the world is marked by political tension, social division, and uncertainty, the legendary vocal group The Platters® are offering a message of hope, unity, and faith through the release of their new single, "The Prayer."
Available beginning May 29, 2026, on Spotify and all major digital streaming platforms, "The Prayer" serves as the opening chapter of With Love, The Platters, the group's first major album project in decades. More than simply a collection of songs, the forthcoming release is being presented as a musical love letter to the world-one rooted in timeless values of harmony, dignity, perseverance, and compassion.
Originally made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, "The Prayer" has become one of the most beloved inspirational songs of the modern era. Now, The Platters bring their signature vocal blend and rich harmonies to the classic, introducing it to a new generation while preserving its message of faith and hope.
"The Prayer is not nostalgia," said Frederick J. Balboni Jr., President of Herb Reed Enterprises LLC. "It is a living expression of hope and unity, carried by one of America's enduring vocal harmony groups. With Love, The Platters carries forward Herb Reed's promise."
The new recording arrives under the official Platters® organization administered by Herb Reed Enterprises LLC, continuing the legacy established by the group's founder Herb Reed. Reed, who founded and named The Platters in 1953, remained the defining figure of the group throughout his lifetime, carefully protecting its name, sound, and reputation while ensuring that the ensemble would continue beyond his years.
While many fans remember the classic lineup of Herb Reed, Tony Williams, David Lynch, Zola Taylor, and Paul Robi-the group responsible for chart-topping hits such as "Only You (And You Alone)" and "The Great Pretender"-The Platters have always been a living vocal institution rather than a fixed lineup. Through the decades, the group has evolved while remaining faithful to the vocal excellence and harmony-driven style that made them one of the most influential groups in American music history.
Today's lineup features Lance Bernard Bryant, Omar Ross, Jovian K. Ford, and Brittany Michelle Wallace, artists entrusted with carrying forward the Platters tradition into a new era.
The release of "The Prayer" also marks the beginning of a carefully planned rollout for With Love, The Platters. Additional singles will be unveiled throughout 2026, including:
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" - July 10, 2026
- "Your Song" - August 21, 2026
- "All of Me" - October 2, 2026
- Full Album and Vinyl Release - November 2026
The project revisits a collection of beloved songs associated with some of the most iconic artists in music history, including Elvis Presley, Elton John, Queen, The Beatles, John Legend, The Bee Gees, and Bryan Adams. Each song is reimagined through the unmistakable vocal harmony style that has defined The Platters for more than seven decades.
This approach reflects the group's historic ability to transform familiar songs into enduring classics. Throughout their career, The Platters often elevated standards and previously recorded material into signature performances, as demonstrated by timeless recordings such as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
As the United States approaches Juneteenth, the release of "The Prayer" carries additional significance. Its themes of perseverance, grace, reconciliation, and shared humanity resonate deeply with a moment that commemorates freedom, resilience, and hope.
In an increasingly fragmented world, The Platters are using their music to remind listeners of the enduring power of harmony-not only in song, but also in society. With "The Prayer," the legendary group begins a new chapter while reaffirming the message that has always been at the heart of great music: hope, love, and unity remain timeless.
