Wikipedia:
"The Chantels were the second black girl group to have nationwide success in the United States. The group was established in the early 1950s at St. Anthony of Padua school in the Bronx. The group consisted of Arlene Smith (lead), Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Jackie Landry Jackson and Lois Harris. They got their name from a rival school, St. Frances de Chantal.
They were discovered by Richard Barrett, lead singer of The Valentines and eventually signed to End Records. Their first single was "He's Gone" (Pop #71) in August 1957. In January 1958 they released their second single, "Maybe" (#15 Billboard Hot 100; #2 R & B chart). Several other singles were released on End, though none as successful as "Maybe."
The group was dropped by End in 1959, and Arlene Smith decided to go solo. Harris left to pursue a college education. In 1960, Annette Smith (no relation) replaced Arlene Smith, and the group went to Carlton Records, where they had their second huge hit with "Look in My Eyes" (#14 pop, #6 R&B). Several other singles followed and the group switched record labels several times. Personnel changed throughout the 1960s, with their final single released in 1970."
They were discovered by Richard Barrett, lead singer of The Valentines and eventually signed to End Records. Their first single was "He's Gone" (Pop #71) in August 1957. In January 1958 they released their second single, "Maybe" (#15 Billboard Hot 100; #2 R & B chart). Several other singles were released on End, though none as successful as "Maybe."
The group was dropped by End in 1959, and Arlene Smith decided to go solo. Harris left to pursue a college education. In 1960, Annette Smith (no relation) replaced Arlene Smith, and the group went to Carlton Records, where they had their second huge hit with "Look in My Eyes" (#14 pop, #6 R&B). Several other singles followed and the group switched record labels several times. Personnel changed throughout the 1960s, with their final single released in 1970."
Now this is a real treat! Except for their last single you will find every last A and B-side of all their singles here. Starting with their first singles on End where they found their biggest success, moving on to the 60's singles without Arlene and in my honest opionion MUCH better. Lots of northern soul stompers in the making! I've also included the single that was billed as by The Veneers, the four songs they recorded with Richard Barrett as well as a few solo cuts by Arlene - 45 songs all together! Enjoy, and please comment!
This can't be true. I'm dreaming , right? Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is GREAT! I'd come closer to finding true love than to ever find this great collection of Chantels again!
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, I'd rather have the Chantels. lol
Thanks!
Hi Sugar Boom Boom! The Chantels recorded "He's Gone" and "The Plea" in July 1957 and the single was issued in August 1957. At the same recording sessions in July of 1957, The Chantels sang background vocals for Willie Wilson and The Tunemasters on a song titled, "I've Lied". That single was released in January 1958 on the End label (End 1011).
ReplyDeleteHere is that song and a jpeg of the 45.
http://rapidshare.com/files/311871062/tunemasters.rar
I hope I am not telling you something you already know and sharing a track you already have. I wouldn't be surprised to find out you own a copy of the 45. lol
Thanks again!