October 23 marks the birthdays of two sisters whose harmonies helped define the sound of 1960s American pop music.

Barbara Ann Hawkins, born in 1943, and Rosa Lee Hawkins, born in 1945, grew up in New Orleans, a city steeped in rhythm and soul. Alongside their cousin Joan Marie Johnson, the sisters formed The Dixie Cups, a girl group that would leave an indelible mark on music history.

Originally performing as The Meltones, the trio caught the attention of manager Joe Jones, who introduced them to legendary producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Signed to Red Bird Records, they released their debut single in 1964: the now-iconic “Chapel of Love.” The song soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, dethroning The Beatles and selling over a million copies.

Their follow-up hits like “People Say,” “You Should Have Seen the Way He Looked at Me,” and “Iko Iko” cemented their place in pop history. “Iko Iko,” a playful take on a traditional New Orleans tune, was famously recorded during a studio jam session using drumsticks on ashtrays. Producers captured the moment and turned it into a hit.

Though the original lineup shifted over time, Barbara and Rosa Lee continued performing for decades, keeping the spirit of The Dixie Cups alive. Rosa Lee later became a model and author, sharing their journey in her memoir Chapel of Love: The Story of New Orleans Girl Group the Dixie Cups.

Rosa Lee Hawkins passed away in 2022 at age 77, but her voice and legacy endure through the music she helped create. Barbara Ann Hawkins continues to honor their shared history, reminding fans of the joy, resilience, and harmony that defined The Dixie Cups.

From the streets of New Orleans to the top of the charts, the Hawkins sisters brought heart and soul to every note. Today, we celebrate their birthdays—and the timeless music they gave the world.