Pioneers of Girl Group Pop
In the late 1950s, a group of high school friends from Passaic, New Jersey, came together to form one of the most influential girl groups in music history, The Shirelles. Comprised of Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie “Micki” Harris, and Beverly Lee, The Shirelles became pioneers of the girl group pop genre, paving the way for countless female artists and groups that followed.
The Shirelles’ journey began when the four young women decided to enter their school’s talent show. Their performance impressed their classmates and teachers, encouraging them to take their singing group more seriously. Originally known as “The Poquellos,” they eventually adopted the name “The Shirelles,” blending Shirley Owens’ name with the popular “el” sound used in many group names of the time.
In 1958, The Shirelles caught the attention of Florence Greenberg, a music executive who saw potential in the group’s harmonious blend of voices and their infectious energy. Greenberg signed them to her fledgling label, Tiara Records, and later to Scepter Records. It was under her guidance that The Shirelles’ career took off.
Their first major hit came in 1960 with “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” written by the legendary songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin. This song not only reached the top of the charts, but it also made history as the first girl group record to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Shirelles’ sweet, soulful sound and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, propelling them to stardom.
Following the success of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” The Shirelles released a string of hits that cemented their place in music history. Songs like “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Mama Said,” “Baby It’s You,” and “Soldier Boy” showcased their versatility and ability to capture the essence of teenage love and heartbreak. Their music combined elements of doo-wop, R&B, and pop, creating a signature sound that set them apart from other groups of the era.
The Shirelles’ success was groundbreaking, not only for their chart-topping hits but also for their influence on the music industry. They opened doors for future girl groups like The Supremes, The Ronettes, and Martha and the Vandellas. The Shirelles’ harmonious blend of voices, engaging stage presence, and relatable themes inspired countless female artists to pursue their dreams in music.
Their legacy continues to be celebrated today, as their music remains timeless and influential. The Shirelles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, a testament to their lasting impact on the world of music.
While the original members have pursued different paths over the years, The Shirelles’ contribution to music history remains undeniable. They broke barriers and set the stage for future generations of female artists, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Their story is one of friendship, talent, and groundbreaking success, making them true pioneers of girl group pop.
Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder
Originating in the 1950s, the sock hop was a social dance put on normally by school groups. Because they were usually held in gymnasiums, shoes were forbidden, and the dancers danced in their socks. Bruce brings back the music that was the heart and soul of that wonderful tradition.
| Hour One | |
| Tutti Frutti | Little Richard |
| Bluejean Bop | Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps |
| Feels So Good | Shirley & Lee |
| Walk Like A Man | Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons |
| Lipstick On Your Collar | Connie Francis |
| Shirley | The Schoolboys |
| Little Devil | Neil Sedaka |
| I Wish I Were A Princess | Peggy March |
| I Won’t Cry Anymore | Embers |
| Stop The Music | The Shirelles |
| Johnny Loves Me | Shelley Fabares |
| A Wonder Like You | Ricky Nelson |
| Shop Around | The Miracles |
| Rescue Me | Fontella Bass |
| A Lover’s Concerto | The Toys |
| Just Keep It Up | Dee Clark |
| If You Wanna Be Happy For The Rest Of Your Life | Jimmy Soul |
| Runaround Sue | Dion |
| The Wayward Wind | Gogi Grant |
| Just Walking In The Rain | Johnnie Ray |
| Love Letters In The Sand | Pat Boone |
| The Great Pretender | The Platters |
| Sincerely | The Moonglows |
| Hour Two | |
| Help Me, Rhonda | The Beach Boys |
| Don’t You Just Know It | Huey “Piano” Smith |
| Ride! | Dee Dee Sharp |
| C’mon and Swim | Bobby Freeman |
| Searchin’ | The Coasters |
| Steady Eddie | Dodie Stevens |
| Crazy Eyes For You | Bobby Hamilton |
| Bad To Me | Billy J. Kramer |
| I Know A Place | Petula Clark |
| I’m Telling You Now | Freddie & The Dreamers |
| Just A Dream | Jimmy Clanton |
| Twistin’ The Night Away | Sam Cooke |
| Nothin’ Shakin’ (But The Leaves On The Tree) | Eddie Fontaine |
| Daddy-O | The Fontane Sisters |
| The Boy Next Door | The Secrets. |
| The Wah-Watusi | The Orlons |
| There Goes My Heart Again | Fats Domino |
| Rock-A-Bye-Rock | Buddy Holly |
| Nadine | Chuck Berry |
| Breathless | Jerry Lee Lewis |
| You’re Sixteen | Johnny Burnette |
| Don’t Be Cruel | Elvis Presley |
| Goodnight My Love | Jesse Belvin |
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