The Chantels – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts
The Chantels Biography
The Chantels are a pop music band that, after The Bobbettes, were the second African-American girl group to achieve national popularity in the United States. Students from St. Anthony of Padua School in The Bronx founded the group in the early 1950s. Arlene Smith (lead) (October 5, 1941), Sonia Goring Wilson (born Millicent Goring) (1940), Renée Minus White (1943), Jackie Landry Jackson (May 22, 1941 – December 23, 1997), and Lois Harris were the original five The Chantels members (1940). They got their name from St. Frances de Chantal, a school in Chantal, France. Sonia Goring Wilson, Renée Minus White, Lois Harris Powell, and Ami Ortiz are the current members.
Richard Barrett, lead singer of The Valentines, discovered the girls, and by the summer of 1957, they were signed to George Goldner’s End Records. In August 1957, they released their first song, “He’s Gone” (Pop #71), penned by Arlene Smith. “Maybe,” their second song, was released in December 1957 and became a smash (#15 Billboard Hot 100; #2 R&B chart) in January 1958. It received a gold disc after selling over a million copies. Although End’s subsequent releases were less successful, he did release an album called We Are the Chantels. The original cover featured a photograph of the band. That record was quickly taken off the market and repackaged with a picture of two white adolescents choosing a song; the title was also shortened to The Chantels.
End dropped the group in 1959, and Arlene Smith went on to pursue a solo career. Harris went to college to further his studies. Gone, an End subsidiary label, published Chantels tracks lead by Richard Barrett that year. Arlene Smith was replaced in 1960 by Annette Smith (no relation). As a foursome, they signed with Carlton Records, where “Look in My Eyes” (#14 pop, #6 R&B) became their second big hit. Other Carlton releases did not fare as well. “Well I Told You,” a retort to Ray Charles‘ “Hit the Road, Jack,” which stalled at #29 pop chart.
The Chantels on Tour, a Carlton album issued in 1962, included no live recordings and only seven tracks recorded by the actual ensemble. Gus Backus, Chris Montez, and Little Anthony & The Imperials contributed the other three tracks. End put together an album called There’s Our Song Again, a compilation of previously recorded material, to capitalize on “Look in My Eyes.”
In 2002, the Chantels were honored by being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. They were on the final ballot for admission into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, but did not receive enough votes to be inducted, despite repeated appearances on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballots by 1950s doo-wop groups since then, The Chantels did not receive enough votes to make any subsequent ballot until September 2009, when it was reported that they were one of 12 nominees for induction into the Hall in 2010.
The Chantels Discography
| The Chantels On Tour | |
| There’s Our Song Again | |
| We Are The Chantels |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What About The Chantels ?
The Chantels were a very popular girl group in the 1950s. They were known for their harmonies and their catchy songs. Some of their biggest hits include “He’s So Fine” and “Maybe.” The Chantels are still remembered today for their classic sound.
Who Recorded The First Song Of ”Maybe” Of The Chantels?
The first song of ”Maybe” was recorded by the Chantels in 1957. It was written by Arlene Smith and produced by George Goldner. The song became a major hit and helped to establish the group as one of the leading girl groups of the era. The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, and continues to be popular to this day.
Which songs by The Chantels achieved commercial success?
The song “Maybe” was one of the Chantels songs that is most successful. It reached number seven on the Billboard chart in 1958. The song is about a young girl who is in love with a boy, but is unsure if he loves her back. She sings about how she would do anything to be with him. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and has been featured in several movies and television shows.
Is The Chantels Got Awarded?
The Chantels have not been awarded as of now. There is no confirmation yet if they will be given the award or not. However, they are definitely one of the top contenders for the award. Many people are rooting for them and believe that they deserve it. The Chantels have worked hard for their music and their fans, so it would be amazing if they got the award. We will just have to wait and see what happens. In the meantime, we can continue to support them and enjoy their music.
How Many Members Of The Chantels?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the Chantels line-up has changed multiple times over the years. However, according to online sources, the current line-up consists of five members. These members are Annette Hargrave, Charmaine Ford, Joyce Irby, Patricia Mathis, and Rochelle Ford.
How Many Stage Performance They Have Done?
They have done more than 60 stage performance. They are very popular in their country and they always get a good response from the audience. They are also one of the busiest band in their country. Apart from stage performance, they also do some TV show and radio show. In addition, they also release their own album. All these activities keep them very busy and they always have to work very hard. However, they don’t mind because they love what they are doing. They also hope to do more stage performance in other countries in the future.
Most Searched For Chantels Songs
| Maybe | |
| Look in my eyes | |
| Sure of love | |
| I love you so | |
| He’s gone | |
| The plea | |
| Every night (I pray) | |
| Indian giver | |
| Congratulations | |
| Summertime | |
| I’ll walk alone | |
| All the days of my life |