The Bobbettes
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1955 in East Harlem, New York City, United States |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | East Harlem, New York City , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
The Bobbettes were a prominent American R&B girl group best remembered for their 1957 hit single "Mr. Lee", which reached the top 10. Their career spanned from 1955 until 1974, featuring members Jannie Pought (1945–1980), Emma Pought (born 1942), Reather Dixon (1944–2014), Laura Webb (1941–2001), and Helen Gathers (1942–2011).
History
Originating in East Harlem, New York, the ensemble was initially called "The Harlem Queens" when they formed in 1955. The group members first connected through singing at the Glee Club of P.S. 109. They caught the attention of record producer and manager James Dailey during an amateur night at the Apollo Theater, leading to a contract with Atlantic Records. Residing in public housing near Second Avenue and 99th Street, they frequently rehearsed together in shared community spaces.
Their first release, "Mr. Lee," underwent lyric alterations mandated by Atlantic Records, changing from a critical commentary to a cheerful ode to a schoolteacher. This track peaked at number six on the Billboard Pop chart and held the top spot on the R&B chart for four consecutive weeks, making them the inaugural girl group to achieve a number one R&B hit that also penetrated the pop top 10. The recording featured notable session musicians including Jesse Powell and Milt Hinton. Billboard later ranked "Mr. Lee" as number 79 among the 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs.
After a series of unsuccessful novelty singles with Atlantic, they attempted to release "I Shot Mr. Lee," which was rejected by the label. Subsequently, they signed with Teddy Vann’s Triple-X label; their rendition reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, prompting Atlantic to issue their own version.
Later singles included "Have Mercy Baby," "You Are My Sweetheart," and "Dance with Me Georgie." Upon signing with End Records, they put out "Teach Me Tonight" alongside its response track "I Don't Like It Like That." Although their final charting single came under End Records, they continued producing music for labels such as Diamond, RCA Victor, and Mayhew Records until their disbandment in 1974. The group reunited for oldies tours afterward. Other significant songs from their catalog include "Oh My Pa-Pa," "Speedy," and "Rock and Ree-ah-Zole (The Teenage Talk)." Their RCA Victor release "I've Gotta Face The World" has gained recognition within Northern soul communities.
Jannie Pought tragically died in 1980 at age 34, while Reather Dixon passed away in 2014 at age 69.
As of July 2025, The Bobbettes have been nominated for entry into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
Singles
| Year | Title (A-Side, B-Side) | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | ||
| 1957 | "Mr. Lee" b/w "Look at the Stars" |
6 | 1 |
| "Speedy" b/w "Come-A Come-A" |
— | — | |
| 1958 | "Zoomy" b/w "Rock and Ree-Ah-Zole" |
— | — |
| "The Dream" b/w "Um Bow Bow" |
— | — | |
| 1959 | "Don't Say Goodnight" b/w "You Are My Sweetheart" |
— | — |
| 1960 | "I Shot Mr. Lee" b/w "Untrue Love" |
52 | — |
| "Have Mercy Baby" b/w "Dance with Me Georgie" |
66 95 |
— | |
| "Oh My Papa" b/w "I Cried" |
— | — | |
| 1961 | "Teach Me Tonight" b/w "Mr Johnny Q" |
— | — |
| "I Don't Like It Like That, Part 1" b/w "Part 2" |
72 | — | |
| "Looking for a Lover" b/w "Are You Satisfied" |
— | — | |
| 1962 | "My Dearest" b/w "I'm Stepping Out Tonight" |
— | — |
| "Over There" b/w "Loneliness" |
— | — | |
| "The Broken Heart" b/w "Mama Papa" |
— | — | |
| "Teddy" b/w "Row, Row, Row" |
— | — | |
| "Close Your Eyes" b/w "Somebody Bad Stole De Wedding Bell" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "My Mama Said" b/w "Sandman" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "In Paradise" b/w "I'm Climbing a Mountain" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" b/w "I'm Climbing a Mountain" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "Having Fun" b/w "I've Gotta Face the World" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "It's All Over" b/w "Happy Go Lucky Me" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "That's a Bad Thing to Know" b/w "All in Your Mind" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "Tighten Up Your Own" b/w "Looking for a New Love" |
"—" | "—" | |
| "It Won't Work Out" b/w "Good Man" |
"—" | "—" | |
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups formed in 1955
- Musical groups disbanded in 1974
- American female vocal groups
- American rhythm and blues ensembles
- African-American female groups
- Doo-wop ensembles
- American R&B female groups
- Jubilee Records artists
- Atlantic Records artists
- RCA Victor recording artists
- 1955 establishments in New York City
- Musical groups originating from Harlem
- Musical groups disestablished in 1974