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.
Did The Platters play instruments or just sing?
The Platters are an American vocal group.
What was most interesting about The Platter's early years?
The Platters released two singles with Federal Records, under the management of Bass, but found little success. Bass then asked his friend music entrepreneur and songwriter Buck Ram to coach.
Did The Platters write their own songs?
One song recorded during their Federal tenure, Only You, written by Buck Ram for the Ink Spots, was deemed unreleasable by the label.
What was the first song The Platters recorded in the studio?
Convinced by Jean Bennett and Tony Williams that Only You had potential, Ram had The Platters re-record the song during their first session for Mercury.

Question: Did they ever almost quit?
Self-contained rewrite: Did The Platters ever almost quit?