introducing The Chiffons

In 1960, the Chiffons formed at James Monroe High School in the Bronx, New York. The lead singer was 14 year old Judy Craig, and she sang along with Patricia Bennett and Barbara Lee, both 13. It was at the after school center that they met writer/manager/entrepreneur Ronnie Mack.

The girls choose the name Chiffons out of a hat. Mack signed the trio to Big Deal Records and they recorded "Tonight's the Night," and reached #76 on the charts.

In the fall of 1962, Mack took some his songs to a new production team in New York City. The company's producers were Phil and Mitch Margo, Jay Siegel, and Hank Medress, a.k.a. The Tokens . They liked one of the songs called "He's So Fine." Sylvia Peterson was added to the group and the song was recorded.

In December 1962, it was released on Laurie Records and by March 20th "He's So Fine" was the #1 record on both the Pop and R&B charts. The Tokens produced a third single "One Fine Day," a Carole King-Gerry Goffin composition, which rocketed up the charts to #5 Pop in June and #6 R&B.

The Tokens then decided to create a dual personality for the group, so at the same time that “One Fine Day" was being released, they recorded the Chiffons on Laurie's Rust subsidiary as the Four Pennies. The Pennies' first single was "My Block" and it reached the charts three weeks after "One Fine Day.” In September the Chiffons had their third Top 40 hit with "A Love So Fine." Back as the Four Pennies their September release of "When the Boy's Happy" reached #95 Pop in November.

The Chiffons were now in great demand and began appearing on TV's American Bandstand, Hullabaloo, Shindig, as well as Murray the K's Brooklyn Fox live show, and singing commercials for Great Shakes drinks.

In the fall of 1963 the Chiffons released "I Have a Boyfriend," considered to be their best recording. It reached #36 on the Billboard's Best Seller list in November. Several strong Chiffons recordings followed ("Tonight I Met an Angel," "Sailor Boy," and "What Am I Gonna Do With You"). In the spring of 1966 the Chiffons had a Top Ten Record with "Sweet Talkin' Guy."

In 1968 the Tokens moved the group from Laurie to its own label B. T. Puppy for one single called "My Secret Love." Today original lead singer, Judy Craig, continues to perform in the Chiffons.

For Booking Information:
Regarding True Legends of Pop: e-Mail Tommy Vee at TVelline@AOL.COM

Copyright © 1996 - 2008 - Bobby Vee - All Rights Reserved