Goldie and the Gingerbreads
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1962 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Genya "Goldie" Zelkowitz (Genya Ravan) |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom, Europe |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, compilation album |
Goldie & the Gingerbreads was a pioneering American rock group composed entirely of women, established in New York City in 1962. The ensemble consisted of lead vocalist Genya "Goldie" Zelkowitz (who later became known as Genya Ravan), drummer Ginger Bianco, keyboardist and organist Margo Lewis, along with guitarist and vocalist Carol MacDonald. They hold the distinction of being among the earliest all-female rock bands and were the first of such groups to secure a contract with a major record label. In 1963, they signed with Decca Records, followed by a deal with Atlantic Records in 1964. Throughout the 1960s, they released multiple singles before disbanding in 1968. Their only album, a compilation titled Thinking About the Good Times: Complete Recordings 1964–1966, was issued in 2021.
Origins and initial period (1962–1963)
In 1962, Genya Zelkowitz, then lead singer for Richard Perry’s band The Escorts, encountered drummer Ginger Bianco at a club in New York City. This meeting motivated Genya to create an all-female rock band. The group's name was a blend of Genya’s nickname "Goldie" and a creative twist on Ginger’s name.
Following the summer concert circuit, Genya and Ginger searched for a pianist and brought Carol O'Grady into the lineup. Female guitar players were rare at the time, so temporary musicians filled that role when necessary. During their 1962 tour across West Germany and Switzerland supporting Chubby Checker, the band performed without a guitarist. Organist Margo Lewis replaced O'Grady and joined them for this tour. In 1963, after securing a contract with Decca Records, they incorporated guitarist/vocalist Carol MacDonald—who was then signed to Atlantic/Atco Records—as their fourth permanent member.
Atlantic Records deal and touring Europe (1964–1965)
Their debut single, "Skinny Vinnie," was released in 1964 on Spokane Records. Though credited to Zelkowitz and Stan Green, it was a minor reworking of Bill Haley’s "Skinny Minnie." That same year, fashion photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg organized a party for Warhol icon Baby Jane Holzer, later known as "the Mods and Rockers ball." Goldie & the Gingerbreads performed there, captivating guests including the Rolling Stones and Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegün, who subsequently signed them.
Later in 1964, the band crossed paths with Eric Burdon and the Animals; their manager arranged for Goldie & the Gingerbreads to join a 1965 tour across England. This showcase tour featured up to six prominent bands such as the Rolling Stones, the Animals, the Beatles, the Yardbirds, the Hollies, and the Kinks. After supporting the Kinks on their UK tour in 1965, they recorded several tracks with Kinks producer Shel Talmy, including a cover of "Look for Me Baby," which was never officially released.
Facing visa complications in Britain, the group performed at venues like Hamburg’s Star-Club in West Germany while awaiting work permits. They also played at Paris Olympia where they made a positive impression on French audiences despite some technical setbacks.
In 1965, their single "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat" climbed to number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. Although this track was also issued in the United States, its success was limited due to Herman's Hermits releasing a heavily promoted cover two weeks earlier, which eclipsed Goldie & the Gingerbreads’ version and hindered their chances of achieving a U.S. hit.
Final singles and dissolution (1966–1968)
In 1966, the group issued the singles "Think About the Good Times" and "Sailor Boy," followed by their concluding single, "Walking in Different Circles," in 1967. The period from 1967 to 1968 saw a rise in lineup changes as the band began to disintegrate. Their last effort to break into the mainstream American market proved unsuccessful, culminating in the band's disbandment in 1968. The dominant leadership approach of vocalist Genya is often highlighted as a significant reason for the split, alongside dissatisfaction regarding the modest financial gains from their releases.
Reunion and accolades (1997–present)
Goldie and the Gingerbreads came together again on November 13, 1997, marking their 30th anniversary and celebrating The Rolling Stone Book of Women in Rock. The reunion lineup featured Ginger, Margo, Genya, with Debby Hastings on bass and Diane Scanlon on guitar. On February 3, 1998, they were honored with a Touchstone Award by New York's Women in Music organization, recognizing women who have made notable contributions to the music industry. The award ceremony was hosted by Ahmet Ertegun, who originally signed them to Atlantic in 1964.
In 2011, they were included in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame exhibit titled "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power." Later, in 2021, British label Ace issued Thinking About the Good Times: Complete Recordings 1964–1966, their first full anthology album.
Additional endeavors
Following the group's breakup, Genya Ravan established Ten Wheel Drive before moving into record production and radio broadcasting. She produced the debut album Young Loud and Snotty by the Dead Boys in 1977 and currently hosts two programs on Sirius XM's Underground Garage channel: Goldie's Garage and Chicks and Broads. Her autobiography, Lollipop Lounge: Memoirs of a Rock and Roll Refugee, was released in 2004.
During the early 1980s, Margo Lewis launched Talent Consultants International, Ltd., a talent booking agency based in New York, later becoming a partner at Talent Source, Ltd. She managed Bo Diddley from 1992 until his passing in 2008 and performed as his keyboardist throughout his final ten years.
Band members
Core members of Goldie & the Gingerbreads consisted of:
- Genya Ravan – lead vocals, tambourine, saxophone (1962–1967)
- Ginger Bianco – drums, percussion (1962–1967)
- Margo Lewis – B3 organ, keyboards (1962–1967)
- Carol MacDonald – guitar, backing vocals (1963–1967; deceased 2007)
Compilation albums
- Thinking About the Good Times: Complete Recordings 1964–1966 (2021; Ace)
Singles
| Year | Title | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | "Skinny Vinnie" b/w "Chew Chew Fee Fi Fum" Label: Spokane |
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| 1965 | "That's Why I Love You" b/w "What Kind of Man Are You" Label: Decca |
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| "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat" b/w "Little Boy" Label: Decca |
25 | |
| "That's Why I Love You"Template:Efn-ua b/w "The Skip" Label: Decca |
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| 1966 | "Think About the Good Times" b/w "Please Please" Label: ATCO |
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| "Sailor Boy"Template:Efn-ua b/w "Please Please" Label: Decca |
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| 1967 | "Walking in Different Circles" b/w "Song of the Moon" Label: ATCO |
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