The Chordettes

The Chordettes were a female popular singing quartet, usually singing a cappella, and specializing in traditional pop music.

Related Topics:
Popular - Singing - A cappella - Traditional pop music

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They were first organized in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1946. The original members of the group were Janet Ertel (1913-November 4, 1988), Carol Bushman (her sister-in-law), Dorothy Schwartz, and Jinny Osborn (or Lockard) (April 25, 1927-May 19, 2003). In 1952, Lynn Evans replaced Schwartz, and in 1953, Margie Needham replaced Osborn (who was having a baby), though Osborn later returned to the group. Nancy Overton also was a member of the group at a later time. Originally they sang folk music in the style of The Weavers, but eventually changed to a harmonizing style of the type known as barbershop harmony. Part of this change seems to be influenced by Osborn's father.

Related Topics:
Sheboygan, Wisconsin - 1946 - Janet Ertel - 1913 - November 4 - 1988 - Carol Bushman - Dorothy Schwartz - Jinny Osborn - April 25 - 1927 - May 19 - 2003 - 1952 - Lynn Evans - 1953 - Margie Needham - Nancy Overton - Folk music - The Weavers - Barbershop harmony

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Jinny Osborn was born in Seattle, Washington. She was born Virginia Cole, the daughter of O. H. "King" Cole, who was president of the Barbershop Harmony Society (then known as SPEBSQSA), and Katherine Flack.

Related Topics:
Seattle, Washington - Barbershop Harmony Society

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After performing locally in Sheboygan, they went on Arthur Godfrey's radio program, Talent Scouts in 1949.They went on to feature status on Godfrey's daily program, and then went on to make a number of recordings for Columbia Records.

Related Topics:
Arthur Godfrey - Radio - Talent Scouts - 1949 - Columbia Records

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In 1953, Godfrey's music director and orchestra leader, Archie Bleyer, founded Cadence Records. He signed a number of Godfrey regulars and former regulars, including the Chordettes, who had a number of hit records for Cadence.

Related Topics:
1953 - Archie Bleyer - Cadence Records

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Their biggest hit was Mr. Sandman in 1954. Archie Bleyer himself is on that record along with the group.

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Janet Ertel married Bleyer in 1954. Her daughter Jackie married another Cadence recording star, Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers. She died of cancer in 1988.

Related Topics:
The Everly Brothers - 1988

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The Chordettes appeared on American Bandstand August 5, 1957, kicking off the first episode of the show over the ABC Television Network.

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In 1961, Jinny Osborn left the group, and they were unable to find a replacement with whom they were happy, leading to a breakup.

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The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.

Related Topics:
Vocal Group Hall of Fame - 2001

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Jinny Osborn (by that time Jinny Janis) died in 2003.

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