Conversation so far:
How did The Platters start?
The Platters formed in Los Angeles in 1952 and were initially managed by Federal Records A&R man, Ralph Bass.
Who were the first members of The Platters?
The original group of The Platters consisted of founding and naming member, Herb Reed, Alex Hodge, Cornell Gunter and Joe Jefferson.
Did The Platters perform or record first?
The Platters performed first.

Question: Did they play instruments or just sing?
Self-contained rewrite: Did The Platters play instruments or just sing?