Who comprised The Chantels, and in what ways did they distinguish themselves among the 1950s girl groups? The Chantels was among the first successful African-American girls groups in popular song, opening up a trail in practically every direction afterwards for groups of females voices as well as doo-wop groups. In early 1950s, a group of teenage girls at St.
Anthony of Padua Church and school in the Bronx, New York, decided they would form a group. Arlene Smith, Sonia Goring (later Wilson), Renée Minus (later White), Jackie Landry (later Jackson), and Lois Harris formed the initial roster.
Arlene Smith, born Oct. 5, 1941, was lead vocals and had already received classically-based vocal training, already at age 12 having sung at Carnegie Hall. Sonia Goring, Lois Harris, and Jackie Landry were born between 1940–1943, growing up in tight-knit Catholic neighborhoods in the Bronx.
All had had backgrounds in Latin hymns as well as classical songs, setting them in most ways apart from other African-American groups of this era, who took most of their inspiration in song from gospel as well as blues song.
They were seen in high school by Richard Barrett of The Valentines, who helped them secure a contract with End Records in 1957. “He’s Gone,” their first single, was modestly successful, but their second release, “Maybe,” in late 1957 changed directions.
It reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B chart in early 1958 before selling over one million copies and going gold in disc status.
It captured innocence and brokenheartedness in adolescent love in a way that defied race-bound audiences, making The Chantels trailblazers in a still-separate music industry.
Arlene Smith wrote and arranged most of their early songs, adding an artistic depth to their sound.
After some singles and their first album, We Are the Chantels, they were dropped in 1959 by End Records. Arlene Smith carried on as a solo artist, leaving, as did Lois Harris, in order to attend college.
Annette Smith, no relation, replaced her as they had some success again in 1961 with “Look in My Eyes,” under Carlton Records.
Despite a good single, no other issues could measure up to past success. Over the years, lead singers changed in the group with Jackie Landry, Sonia Goring, and Renée Minus constantly managing to keep the group going with several changes in record labels.
In the early 1970s, Arlene Smith returned as frontwoman of a new lineup of the Chantels with future disco queen Carol Douglas in her roster.
Although no group ever duplicated the massive commercial achievement of their early years, their legacy did endure. In 1999, they got together again in PBS’s Doo Wop 50 special, in tribute dedicating their performance of “Maybe” to member Jackie Landry, who passed away in 1997.
In 2002, the Chantels were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, nominated twice for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though not inducted. Their influence can be detected in later girl groups as varied as The Shirelles, The Supremes, and Martha and the Vandellas.
Although they did not have the staying power of some of their modern-day groups, there is little question as to the place of the Chantels in musical history—the pioneers of harmony, elegance, and emotion in the world of pop and R&B.
Contents
The Chantels Top Songs
- Maybe – Their signature hit, this 1958 classic captured teen heartbreak with elegant harmonies and a haunting lead vocal.
- Look in My Eyes – A 1961 hit that brought the group back to the charts with a smooth, soulful performance.
- He’s Gone – Their debut single, showcasing their early blend of classical influence and R&B stylings.
- Every Night (I Pray) – A top 40 pop and R&B hit in 1958 that built on the momentum of “Maybe.”
- I Love You So – Another strong entry in 1958, further establishing their ability to deliver emotion-laden ballads.
- Well I Told You – A clever response to “Hit the Road, Jack” that reached No. 29 on the pop charts.
- Summer’s Love – A lesser-known gem that charted in 1959 and exemplified their melodic charm.
The Chantels Discography
Albums
- We Are the Chantels (1958, End Records)
- There’s Our Song Again (1961, End Records)
- The Chantels on Tour (1962, Carlton Records)
Selected Singles
- “He’s Gone” / “The Plea” (1957) – US #71
- “Maybe” / “Come My Little Baby” (1958) – US #15, R&B #2
- “Every Night (I Pray)” / “Whoever You Are” (1958) – US #39, R&B #16
- “I Love You So” / “How Could You Call It Off” (1958) – US #42, R&B #12
- “Look in My Eyes” / “Glad to Be Back” (1961) – US #14, R&B #6
- “Well I Told You” / “Still” (1961) – US #29
The Chantels Top Albums
- We Are the Chantels – Their debut album and most iconic, featuring their biggest early hits like “Maybe” and “He’s Gone.”
- The Chantels on Tour – Despite misleading packaging, it featured strong tracks like “Look in My Eyes” and “Well I Told You.”
- There’s Our Song Again – A compilation designed to reignite interest, it showcased previously recorded material that still held charm.
The Chantels Awards
- Gold Disc – Awarded for “Maybe” after selling over one million copies.
- Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame – 2002 recognition for their trailblazing role in early R&B and pop music.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Finalists – Reached final nomination rounds in 2001 and 2009.
The Chantels Song List
| Year | Song Title (A-side) | B-side | US Chart | US R&B Chart | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | He’s Gone | The Plea | 71 | — | We Are the Chantels |
| 1958 | Maybe | Come My Little Baby | 15 | 2 | — |
| 1958 | Every Night (I Pray) | Whoever You Are | 39 | 16 | — |
| 1958 | I Love You So | How Could You Call It Off | 42 | 12 | — |
| 1958 | If You Try | Congratulations | — | — | — |
| 1958 | Prayee | Sure of Love | — | — | — |
| 1959 | I Can’t Take It | Never Let Go | — | — | There’s Our Song Again |
| 1959 | Summer’s Love | All Is Forgiven | 93 | 29 | — |
| 1959 | Goodbye to Love | I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You) | — | — | There’s Our Song Again |
| 1960 | How Could You Call It Off | Whoever You Are | — | — | — |
| 1961 | Look in My Eyes | Glad to Be Back | 14 | 6 | On Tour |
| 1961 | I’m the Girl | There’s Our Song Again | — | — | There’s Our Song Again |
| 1961 | Well I Told You | Still | 29 | — | On Tour |
| 1962 | Here It Comes Again | Summertime | — | — | — |
| 1963 | Eternally | Swamp Water | 77 | — | — |
| 1966 | There’s No Forgetting You | Take Me as I Am | — | — | — |
| 1966 | You’re Welcome to My Heart | Soul of a Soldier | — | — | — |
| 1966 | Indian Giver | It’s Just Me | — | — | — |
| 1969 | Maybe (reissue) | He’s Gone | — | — | We Are the Chantels |
| 1970 | Love Makes All the Difference in the World | I’m Gonna Win Him Back | — | — | — |