Who Was the Leader of the Chordettes?

The longest-running vocal group of the 1950s, The Chordettes were a successful blend of pop and rock, often covering rock songs for the pop market. During the late 1950s, The Chordettes alternated between pop and rock, recording such hits as “Charlie Brown,” “Lonely Boy,” and “Pink Shoelaces.” As a result, the group racked up fourteen chart records and four top tens in twenty-two releases.

Archie Bleyer

Archie Bleyer, a leader of the Chordettes, started the Cadence record label in the early 1950s. He was the leader of an orchestra and a frequent guest on Arthur Godfrey’s television shows. He was also close to Julius LaRosa, who often used his orchestra to back his TV performances. The two eventually went into recording together.

Jinny Osborn

The Chordettes’ career began when they sang locally in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, singing folk songs. They eventually made the switch to singing in a cappella harmony, a style known as barbershop. In 1949, they won Arthur Godfrey’s radio program Talent Scouts and became regulars. They also recorded several EPs for Columbia Records.

Carol Buschman

The Chordettes were an all-girls singing group that came to fame in the 1950s. The group had several hit records and a crossover hit with “Lollipop.” The group also toured the world and performed on the Royal New York Doo-Wop Show. But by the time the Chordettes were out of their prime, they were already passe.

Janet Ertel

The Chordettes were an a cappella singing group that had a national following. They sang for President Dwight Eisenhower and entertained on national radio shows. Their hits include “Mr. Sandman,” “Song of the South,” and “Welcome to My World.” They also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, Gary Moore’s show, and Robert Q. Lewis’ show.

Lynn Evans

The Chordettes were a popular female singing group that rose to national fame in the 1950s. Their harmonies played an important role in the transition from romantic music to rock ‘n’ roll. Thirteen of their songs reached the top 100. Most of their recordings fall into the pop category, but their later recordings hint at the revolutionary changes that were taking place in American music.

Margie Needham

The Chordettes are a group of female singers who were formed in 1947. Their members were mostly young women. Barbara Needham grew up in Berwyn, Illinois, with her parents and two younger brothers. Her father played the piano, and her mother sang barbershop harmony. She also took tap dancing lessons with her mother.

Nancy Overton

The Chordettes were a female vocal group from the late fifties and early sixties. The group consisted of members such as Janet Ertel, Lynn Evans, Margie Needham, Jinny Osborn, Dorothy Schwartz, and Nancy Overton. The group’s song “A Broken Vow” was a top twenty hit in Seattle and Vancouver, perhaps because the song’s singer, Jinny Osborn, was a Seattle native. Despite the success of the song, however, it failed to make much of an impact beyond Seattle. The song only reached a modest #102 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Dorothy Schwartz

Dorothy Schwartz, leader of the Chordttes, was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She had a passion for singing, and her talent made her the perfect fit to become the leader of a barbershop quartet. In her early years, she sang a cappella at local functions, but in 1949 she joined the cast of Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scout contest. After winning, the group was a hit on the radio, and appeared on television and radio shows.