One of the best known groups of the 1950s was a vocal group called The Chordettes. They were an American female vocal group who specialized in traditional pop music. The group was most famous for their hit songs from the 1950s. Learn about the group’s members, influences, and hit songs in this article.
Origins
The Chordettes were an American female vocal quartet. They specialized in traditional pop music, particularly hits from the 1950s. They were formed in 1946 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and were soon booked across the United States. After winning a contest on the Arthur Godfrey Show, they continued to work on variety shows for four years. In 1953, they turned to pop music and charted their first hit, “Mr. Sandman.” Their hit remained on the chart for nearly 10 years, a time that helped propel the group to fame.
The Chordettes left Godfrey’s show in 1954 and signed to Cadence Records, run by Archie Bleyer. Their first recording for Cadence went to number one on the US charts and was a million-seller. They featured lead singers Margie Needham and Lynn Evans. The group remained with Cadence until the early 1960s, when they disbanded.
Members
The Chordettes were a group of female vocalists who were popular in the 1950s. Their sound was based on traditional pop music. They were best known for their hit songs from the decade. However, the group was not just known for their pop tunes. They also specialized in musical theater.
The group formed in 1946 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Members included Dorothy Schwartz, Jinny Lockard, Carol Buschman, and Janet Ertel. The members studied barbershop harmony and were skilled at performing complex four-part harmonies. They soon made their mark on radio and television. In the early ’50s, The Chordettes signed to Archie Bleyer’s Cadence label.
Hits
The Chordettes were a famous American female vocal quartet that specialized in traditional pop music. They are best known for their hits from the 1950s. These songs were popular and memorable. In fact, they were so successful that many of them are still played today. The group’s most popular songs include “Sister, Sister”, “Love You More” and “Hello” among others.
The Chordettes’ first chart-topping single came eight years after their formation. “Mister Sandman” spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, while “The Wedding” spent twenty weeks on the Best Seller list. They had a few more hits, including “Lollipop” and “Never on Sunday.” Sadly, the group disbanded after “Lollipop,” which only made it to the top 20. After “Never on Sunday,” the group’s lead singer, Jinny Osborn, left, and it was hard to replace her.
Influence
One of the most influential girl groups of the vintage era was The Chordettes, a group of female singers who achieved worldwide fame. Initially selected for the Arthur Godfrey talent program, the group went on to record for Cadence and Columbia Records. Their first big hit, “Mr. Sandman”, was included on “The Fabulous Chordettes,” along with nine other classics. They also appeared on classic television shows and performed at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
The Chordettes’ first major break came on the Arthur Godfrey show, which was immensely popular. The group was able to land a recording contract with Columbia Records and a number of 10-inch EPs. Godfrey hired Archie Bleyer to be his musical director, and the pair married in 1951.
Career
The Chordettes were a female vocal group from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They began singing folk songs and then focused on barbershop harmonies. They gained fame by winning a contest on the Arthur Godfrey show. This led to appearances on the show and a contract with Columbia Records.
In 1956, the group scored their second Top Ten hit with “Born to Be With You.” Written by Don Robertson, the song reached number five on the Hot 100 and reached number eight on the UK singles chart. In 1957, the group released their next single, “Just between you and me,” which peaked at #8.