Conversation so far:
What happened in The Platters early years?
The Platters formed in Los Angeles in 1952 and were initially managed by Federal Records A&R man, Ralph Bass.
Who were The Platters managed by after Federal Records A&R man Ralph Bass?
Bass then asked his friend, music entrepreneur and songwriter Buck Ram, to coach the group in hope of getting a hit record.
What was The Platters biggest musical hit?
The Great Pretender exceeded the success of their debut and became The Platters' first national #1 hit.
What was The Platters greatest accomplishment?
The Platters are one of the first African-American groups to be accepted as a major chart group and were the most successful vocal group in the world.
Are there any other interesting aspects about the Platters besides being one of the first African-American chart groups as well as being the most successful vocal group in the world, most successful vocal group of the world, The Great Pretender becoming the first national #1 hit for The Platters', and who managed them?
Buck Ram was able to parlay Mercury Records' interest into a 2-for-1 deal. To sign the Penguins, Ram insisted, Mercury also had to take The Platters.

Question: did Mercury end up taking The Platters?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Mercury end up taking The Platters?