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==History== |
==History== |
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===Origins=== |
===Origins=== |
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The group was originally a trio of schoolmates: [[Judy Craig]], Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee; at [[James Monroe High School (New York)|James Monroe High School]] in [[the Bronx]] in 1960. In 1962, at the suggestion of songwriter [[Ronnie Mack]], the group added Sylvia Peterson, who had sung with [[Little Jimmy & the Tops]] at age 14, sharing lead vocals with Jimmy on "Say You Love Me", the B-side of the Tops' 1959 local hit "Puppy Love". |
The group was originally a trio of schoolmates: [[Judy Craig]], Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee; at [[James Monroe High School (New York)|James Monroe High School]] in [[the Bronx]] in 1960.<ref name="Larkin60">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0149-X|page=111}}</ref> In 1962, at the suggestion of songwriter [[Ronnie Mack]], the group added Sylvia Peterson, who had sung with [[Little Jimmy & the Tops]] at age 14, sharing lead vocals with Jimmy on "Say You Love Me", the B-side of the Tops' 1959 local hit "Puppy Love". |
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===Recordings=== |
===Recordings=== |
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The group was named the Chiffons when recording and releasing their first single, "[[He's So Fine]]", written by Ronnie Mack, produced by [[The Tokens]] of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" fame, and released on the [[Laurie Records]] label. "He's So Fine" hit No. 1 in the [[United States]], selling over one million copies, and was awarded a [[music recording sales certification|gold disc]].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book |
The group was named the Chiffons when recording and releasing their first single, "[[He's So Fine]]",<ref name="Larkin60"/> written by Ronnie Mack, produced by [[The Tokens]] of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" fame, and released on the [[Laurie Records]] label. "He's So Fine" hit No. 1 in the [[United States]], selling over one million copies, and was awarded a [[music recording sales certification|gold disc]].<ref name="The Book of Golden Discs">{{cite book |
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}}</ref> (This sales figure would have qualified the record for [[platinum certification|platinum]] status under the current [as of 2011] [[RIAA certification]] standards, effective since 1975, that lowered the "gold" certification threshold to 500,000 copies and set the "platinum" threshold at 1 million.) |
}}</ref> (This sales figure would have qualified the record for [[platinum certification|platinum]] status under the current [as of 2011] [[RIAA certification]] standards, effective since 1975, that lowered the "gold" certification threshold to 500,000 copies and set the "platinum" threshold at 1 million.) |
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The Chiffons immediately released their first LP ''He's So Fine'' (which charted at |
The Chiffons immediately released their first LP ''He's So Fine'' (which charted at No. 97) and began a round of touring around the US. Within a few months, the group released their second LP, ''One Fine Day''.<ref name="Larkin60"/> |
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The group also released two singles in 1963 as ''the Four Pennies'' (with Sylvia on lead) on the Laurie Records subsidiary Rust, but they abandoned the Four Pennies name as the success of "He's So Fine" became clear. This first hit was followed by other notable tunes such as [[Gerry Goffin]] and [[Carole King]]'s "[[One Fine Day (song)|One Fine Day]]", "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and "I Have A Boyfriend" (This last song was playing on the Dallas, Texas radio station KLIF on November 22, 1963 when the announcement was made that President [[John F. Kennedy]] had been shot).{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} As the 1960s progressed, Peterson assumed a more prominent role in the group, singing lead on the Chiffons' "Why Am I So Shy", "Strange, Strange Feeling", "The Real Thing", "Up On The Bridge" and "My Block" (written by [[Jimmy Radcliffe]], Carl Spencer and [[Bert Berns]]). |
The group also released two singles in 1963 as ''the Four Pennies'' (with Sylvia on lead) on the Laurie Records subsidiary Rust, but they abandoned the Four Pennies name as the success of "He's So Fine" became clear. This first hit was followed by other notable tunes such as [[Gerry Goffin]] and [[Carole King]]'s "[[One Fine Day (song)|One Fine Day]]", "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and "I Have A Boyfriend" (This last song was playing on the Dallas, Texas radio station KLIF on November 22, 1963 when the announcement was made that President [[John F. Kennedy]] had been shot).{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} As the 1960s progressed, Peterson assumed a more prominent role in the group, singing lead on the Chiffons' "Why Am I So Shy", "Strange, Strange Feeling", "The Real Thing", "Up On The Bridge" and "My Block" (written by [[Jimmy Radcliffe]], Carl Spencer and [[Bert Berns]]). |
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Shortly after the first round of hits, the Chiffons had business problems but still continued to tour the US throughout 1964 (including Murray the K Shows and as part of a package tour headlined by Gene Pitney). In mid-1965, they signed directly to the Laurie label, and had a hit with "Nobody Knows What's Going On In My Mind But Me". To promote the record, Sylvia and Barbara flew to the West Coast to premiere the disc on a July 1965 Shindig episode, with two substitute members as Judy and Pat were on maternity leave. |
Shortly after the first round of hits, the Chiffons had business problems but still continued to tour the US throughout 1964 (including Murray the K Shows and as part of a package tour headlined by Gene Pitney). In mid-1965, they signed directly to the Laurie label, and had a hit with "Nobody Knows What's Going On In My Mind But Me". To promote the record, Sylvia and Barbara flew to the West Coast to premiere the disc on a July 1965 ''Shindig'' episode, with two substitute members as Judy and Pat were on maternity leave. |
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The next Top 10 hit for the Chiffons was "Sweet-Talking Guy" in mid 1966 which allowed the quartet to tour England and Germany for the first time; on one of their London club dates, members of the Beatles and Stones were in the audience. Several minor hits followed up to 1968. |
The next Top 10 hit for the Chiffons was "Sweet-Talking Guy" in mid 1966<ref name="Larkin60"/> which allowed the quartet to tour England and Germany for the first time; on one of their London club dates, members of the Beatles and Stones were in the audience. Several minor hits followed up to 1968. |
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===Personnel changes=== |
===Personnel changes=== |
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Due to the constant touring and lack of hits, Judy Craig left the group before 1970 and took a bank job in Manhattan. The remaining trio continued to do live shows with Sylvia now as permanent lead singer. Eventually, Sylvia, Pat, and Barbara took on regular 9-5 jobs, but continued to do live shows on weekends. Sylvia eventually left, and her spot was taken by alternating friends of the group. |
Due to the constant touring and lack of hits, Judy Craig left the group before 1970 and took a bank job in Manhattan. The remaining trio continued to do live shows with Sylvia now as permanent lead singer. Eventually, Sylvia, Pat, and Barbara took on regular 9-5 jobs, but continued to do live shows on weekends. Sylvia eventually left, and her spot was taken by alternating friends of the group. |
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In 1970, [[George Harrison]] released the song "[[My Sweet Lord]]", whose musical similarities to "He's So Fine" prompted the estate of Ronnie Mack to file a [[copyright infringement]] claim. The Chiffons went on to record "My Sweet Lord" in 1975. A judge later found that Harrison had unintentionally [[plagiarism|plagiarized]] the earlier song.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/law/library/cases/case_brightharrisongs.html |title=Bright Tunes Music v. Harrisongs Music |access-date=2007-09-05 |year=2002 |publisher=Columbia Law School Arthur W. Diamond Law Library Music Plagiarism Project }}</ref> |
In 1970, [[George Harrison]] released the song "[[My Sweet Lord]]", whose musical similarities to "He's So Fine" prompted the estate of Ronnie Mack to file a [[copyright infringement]] claim.<ref name="Larkin60"/> The Chiffons went on to record "My Sweet Lord" in 1975.<ref name="Larkin60"/> A judge later found that Harrison had unintentionally [[plagiarism|plagiarized]] the earlier song.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/law/library/cases/case_brightharrisongs.html |title=Bright Tunes Music v. Harrisongs Music |access-date=2007-09-05 |year=2002 |publisher=Columbia Law School Arthur W. Diamond Law Library Music Plagiarism Project }}</ref> |
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Sylvia returned to the Chiffons during the 1980s. On May 15, 1992, Barbara Lee died from a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]], and Craig returned to the group. Peterson retired shortly thereafter and was replaced by Connie Harvey. Harvey has since left to pursue a solo career and Bennett has retired from the group.{{citation needed|date=December 2015}} |
Sylvia returned to the Chiffons during the 1980s. On May 15, 1992, Barbara Lee died from a [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]], and Craig returned to the group. Peterson retired shortly thereafter and was replaced by Connie Harvey. Harvey has since left to pursue a solo career and Bennett has retired from the group.{{citation needed|date=December 2015}} |
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===California-based group of the same name=== |
===California-based group of the same name=== |
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Numerous references to the contrary notwithstanding, the Chiffons who recorded a version of the Shirelles' "Tonight's the Night" on Big Deal Records in 1960, is a California group, with no relation to the New York Chiffons. |
Numerous references to the contrary notwithstanding, the Chiffons who recorded a version of the Shirelles' "Tonight's the Night" on Big Deal Records in 1960, is a California group, with no relation to the New York Chiffons.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} |
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==Discography== |
==Discography== |
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*2006: ''Sweet Talkin' Girls'' |
*2006: ''Sweet Talkin' Girls'' |
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{{Div col end}} |
{{Div col end}} |
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'''Singles''' |
'''Singles''' |
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*1963: "[[He's So Fine]]"/"Oh My Lover" (US #1, UK #16) |
*1963: "[[He's So Fine]]"/"Oh My Lover" (US #1, UK #16) |
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The Chiffons
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Background information | |
Also known as | The Four Pennies |
Origin | The Bronx, New York City, United States |
Genres | Pop[1] |
Years active | 1960–present |
Labels | Laurie |
Members |
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Past members |
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The Chiffons were an American girl group originating from the Bronx, a borough of New York City, in 1960.
The group was originally a trio of schoolmates: Judy Craig, Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee; at James Monroe High Schoolinthe Bronx in 1960.[2] In 1962, at the suggestion of songwriter Ronnie Mack, the group added Sylvia Peterson, who had sung with Little Jimmy & the Tops at age 14, sharing lead vocals with Jimmy on "Say You Love Me", the B-side of the Tops' 1959 local hit "Puppy Love".
The group was named the Chiffons when recording and releasing their first single, "He's So Fine",[2] written by Ronnie Mack, produced by The Tokens of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" fame, and released on the Laurie Records label. "He's So Fine" hit No. 1 in the United States, selling over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[3] (This sales figure would have qualified the record for platinum status under the current [as of 2011] RIAA certification standards, effective since 1975, that lowered the "gold" certification threshold to 500,000 copies and set the "platinum" threshold at 1 million.)
The Chiffons immediately released their first LP He's So Fine (which charted at No. 97) and began a round of touring around the US. Within a few months, the group released their second LP, One Fine Day.[2]
The group also released two singles in 1963 as the Four Pennies (with Sylvia on lead) on the Laurie Records subsidiary Rust, but they abandoned the Four Pennies name as the success of "He's So Fine" became clear. This first hit was followed by other notable tunes such as Gerry Goffin and Carole King's "One Fine Day", "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and "I Have A Boyfriend" (This last song was playing on the Dallas, Texas radio station KLIF on November 22, 1963 when the announcement was made that President John F. Kennedy had been shot).[citation needed] As the 1960s progressed, Peterson assumed a more prominent role in the group, singing lead on the Chiffons' "Why Am I So Shy", "Strange, Strange Feeling", "The Real Thing", "Up On The Bridge" and "My Block" (written by Jimmy Radcliffe, Carl Spencer and Bert Berns).
Shortly after the first round of hits, the Chiffons had business problems but still continued to tour the US throughout 1964 (including Murray the K Shows and as part of a package tour headlined by Gene Pitney). In mid-1965, they signed directly to the Laurie label, and had a hit with "Nobody Knows What's Going On In My Mind But Me". To promote the record, Sylvia and Barbara flew to the West Coast to premiere the disc on a July 1965 Shindig episode, with two substitute members as Judy and Pat were on maternity leave.
The next Top 10 hit for the Chiffons was "Sweet-Talking Guy" in mid 1966[2] which allowed the quartet to tour England and Germany for the first time; on one of their London club dates, members of the Beatles and Stones were in the audience. Several minor hits followed up to 1968.
Due to the constant touring and lack of hits, Judy Craig left the group before 1970 and took a bank job in Manhattan. The remaining trio continued to do live shows with Sylvia now as permanent lead singer. Eventually, Sylvia, Pat, and Barbara took on regular 9-5 jobs, but continued to do live shows on weekends. Sylvia eventually left, and her spot was taken by alternating friends of the group.
In 1970, George Harrison released the song "My Sweet Lord", whose musical similarities to "He's So Fine" prompted the estate of Ronnie Mack to file a copyright infringement claim.[2] The Chiffons went on to record "My Sweet Lord" in 1975.[2] A judge later found that Harrison had unintentionally plagiarized the earlier song.[4]
Sylvia returned to the Chiffons during the 1980s. On May 15, 1992, Barbara Lee died from a heart attack, and Craig returned to the group. Peterson retired shortly thereafter and was replaced by Connie Harvey. Harvey has since left to pursue a solo career and Bennett has retired from the group.[citation needed]
Numerous references to the contrary notwithstanding, the Chiffons who recorded a version of the Shirelles' "Tonight's the Night" on Big Deal Records in 1960, is a California group, with no relation to the New York Chiffons.[citation needed]
Singles
Standard albums
Compilations
Singles
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