The Chordettes Biography

Did you know that the Chordettes were a vocal quartet? This American group specialized in traditional pop music and was best known for their 1950s hits? The Chordettes were the first all-female vocal group to gain mainstream fame, and they became one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

Origins

Originating from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Chordettes became famous as a singing group in the 1950s. They sang a cappella and specialized in traditional popular songs. Some of their most memorable songs include Mr. Sandman and Lollipop. Learn more about this legendary singing group by reading this biography.

The Chordettes formed in 1947. They first sang folk songs, but soon turned to barbershop harmonies. They met the president of the Sheboygan chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, O. H. “King” Cole, who also invited them to perform at the town’s first quartet parade. In addition to performing at the annual barbershop show, the Chordettes also sang on TV shows, including Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club and the Fred Waring Show.

The Chordettes were too old to be considered a teenage act, but they still managed to get their own radio show. In 1959, they recorded two singles with ace saxophonist King Curtis. The first was a variation of “Yakety Yak”; the second featured “No Wheels.” Jeff Kron did a brilliant “Kookie” impression of Eddie Byrnes from the TV show “77 Sunset Strip.” The next year, they began recording for Columbia Records. Their first album, ‘Charlie Brown’ was released, followed by “Pink Shoelaces” and “Tall Paul.”

First hit

One of the most successful female vocal groups of the 1950s, The Chordettes were a British quartet that specialized in traditional popular music. Despite being a relatively unknown act in their home country, they would soon break through as one of the most influential vocal groups of the period. The group’s early years were marked by a combination of doo-wop and mainstream pop, and the group was characterized by a sweet, feminine sound. But as the 1950s progressed, The Chordettes were also adaptable enough to successfully navigate the rock and roll era. Their first big hit, “Mr. Sandman”, was released in 1954, and the group continued to chart with cover versions of popular rock and R&B songs.

In addition to their first hit, The Chordettes also released a number of singles, including a duet with the legendary saxophonist King Curtis. They recorded two songs in 1959 with the ace saxophonist. The first of these was a spoof of the famous “Yakety Yak” song, and the second was “A Girl’s Work Is Never Done.” In 1960, the group was back in the charts with a single called “Charlie Brown” and two other songs featuring the ace saxophony player, King Curtis.

Mand

The Chordettes were a female vocal group in the 1950s who specialized in traditional pop music. They were most famous for their popular hit songs from the 1950s. They had a huge following. However, many of their fans do not know the full history of the group. Read on to learn more about The Chordettes’ history and how they got their big break.

The Chordettes were formed in 1957. They had been a hit on television and radio in the early 1960s. They performed for President Dwight Eisenhower, as well as other high-profile figures. They also appeared on numerous radio shows, including the Ed Sullivan Show and the Gary Moore Show.

After they departed Godfrey, they signed to Cadence Records, which was run by Archie Bleyer. Their first recording was a million-selling success, spending seven weeks at number one in the US charts. The group featured singers Margie Needham and Lynn Evans. The Chordettes stayed with Cadence until the mid-60s.

Split up in 1964

The Chordettes were an American female vocal group that peaked in popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s. They are best known for the hits “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.” The group was formed in 1946 by Jinny Osborn in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Other members included Janet Ertel, Alice Mae Buschmann Spielvogel, and Dorothy “Dottie” Hummitzsch Schwartz.

The Chordettes got their start performing in local groups in Wisconsin, where they sang folk music. Eventually, they switched to a cappella singing, which is also known as barbershop harmony. In 1949, they won a talent contest on the Arthur Godfrey Show and became regulars. They also signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, where they released several 10-inch EPs.

While the Chordettes were a hit in the early 1960s, their popularity waned after a few years. The rock and roll sound had already taken hold, and the group was attempting to adapt to it. They did this by covering rock songs for the pop market. After a couple of Top 20 hits, they split up. Despite this, they had a solid career as a vocal group.