The Continental Co-ets
| Company type | All-female rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1963 in Fulda, Minnesota, United States |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Fulda , United States |
Area served | Midwest United States, Canada |
| Products | Rock and roll music |
The Continental Co-ets were a pioneering American all-female rock and roll ensemble formed in 1963 in Fulda, Minnesota.
Background
Comprising teenage students from Fulda High School, the group included Nancy Hofmann on bass guitar, Carol Goins handling lead guitar, Vicki Steinman on drums, and Carolyn Behr playing rhythm guitar. MaryJo Hofmann later joined as the keyboardist. Recognized as one of the earliest female bands to perform using their own instruments, they were motivated by their chorus instructor, David Edwards, to take their music to public venues. Their first performance took place at a cinema in Marshall, Minnesota. Initially focusing on instrumental pieces, they incorporated vocals following a "battle of the sexes" contest against The Vultures, which broadened their fan base. Their tours extended across the Midwest region and into Canada.
Recordings
Toward the end of 1965, the group recorded two original tracks—"I Don't Love You No More" and "Medley of Junk"—in Milford, Iowa, under the IGL label. Around 1,000 copies were pressed, achieving notable regional chart placements in Canada. Two further songs recorded in March 1966 remained unreleased until the 1990s.
Disbandment
The band dissolved in 1967 as members pursued higher education or married. In 2002, they were honored with induction into the Iowa Hall of Fame and reunited to perform during the induction ceremony.