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The Chiffons

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Chiffons were an American girl group from the Bronx in New York, formed in 1960. It began with three school friends from James Monroe High School: the lead singer Judy Craig, with Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee. In 1962 Sylvia Peterson joined them at the suggestion of the songwriter Ronnie Mack. The group chose the name The Chiffons for their first single, He's So Fine, written by Mack and produced by The Tokens, known for The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The song appeared on Laurie Records and became number one in the United States, with more than a million copies sold.

Music and breakthrough

The first album He's So Fine appeared shortly afterwards, followed by One Fine Day. That title song was by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Then followed Sweet Talkin' Guy, I Have a Boyfriend, and, with Peterson as lead singer, Why Am I So Shy, Strange, Strange Feeling, The Real Thing, Up on the Bridge and My Block. Sweet Talking Guy became a top 10 hit again in 1966. In 1967 the group made its first tour of England and Germany, where in London clubs they appeared as the support act for Jimi Hendrix, with members of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in the audience.

Influence

The sound is the girl group sound of the early 1960s: clear, playful voices, handclaps and short, catchy choruses above a brisk accompaniment. The Chiffons belong to Brill Building pop, in which writers such as Goffin and King made hits for young female singers.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to He's So Fine and notice the repeated phrases that the backing voices sing as an echo behind the lead singer.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists