DUKE DANIELS

A member of the Platters for 15 years, he's now going solo

BY ALISSA WOLF

When singer Duke Daniels steps onto a stage, something magical happens.

Aside from his unique choice of material -- he likes to perform R&B arrangements of such arcane tunes as Jessie Collin Young's "Everybody Get Together" in his act -- the performer is a study in polished showmanship and charisma.

Daniels, who last appeared in these parts at Trump Plaza's Jezebel's Lounge, is the kind of old-fashioned entertainer who successfully blends hipness with mass accessibility.

That he's a real pro is not surprising -- the performer has been in this business for many years, having scored a major coup by joining the Platters in the late '60s -- an association that lasted until 1983.