The Shirelles

The Shirelles

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1957 in Passaic, New Jersey, United States
Founder	Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie "Micki" Harris, Beverly Lee
Headquarters	Passaic , United States
Products	Music recordings, live performances

The Shirelles emerged as an American girl group originating in Passaic, New Jersey in 1957. The ensemble consisted of school friends Shirley Owens (later Shirley Alston Reeves), Doris Coley (later Doris Kenner-Jackson), Addie "Micki" Harris (later Addie Harris McFadden), and Beverly Lee.

Initially brought together for a high school talent competition, they caught the attention of Florence Greenberg, owner of Tiara Records, who signed them. Their first single, "I Met Him on a Sunday," was released through Tiara and licensed to Decca Records in 1958. After an unremarkable period with Decca, the group followed Greenberg to her newly established Scepter Records. Partnering with producer Luther Dixon, they rose to prominence with the hit "Tonight's the Night." During their tenure at Scepter, they secured seven top 20 singles before departing the label in 1966. Thereafter, sustaining their previous commercial achievements proved challenging.

Characterized by a "naive schoolgirl sound," the Shirelles juxtaposed youthful vocal delivery with mature lyrical themes. Their chart-topping songs often featured string orchestrations and incorporated Brazilian baião rhythms. Recognized as pioneers of the girl group genre, their ability to appeal across racial lines foreshadowed the success of subsequent Motown artists and mirrored early strides in the Civil Rights Movement. The group garnered multiple honors, including the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, and placement on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004. Two of their tracks, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Tonight's the Night," are featured on Rolling Stones compilation of greatest songs ever recorded. In 2022, their debut album Tonight's the Night was chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation within the National Recording Registry due to its cultural significance.

Initial career and success

Formed in 1957 by four teenage girls from Passaic, initially known as the Poquellos, Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie "Micki" Harris, and Beverly Lee entered a talent contest at Passaic High School performing their original composition "I Met Him on a Sunday." Their classmate Mary Jane Greenberg introduced them to her mother Florence Greenberg, proprietor of Tiara Records. After some hesitation, they signed with Tiara and adopted the name Shirelles—a combination inspired by Owens's name and popular naming trends at that time. Their debut single "I Met Him on a Sunday" gained local popularity and reached No. 50 nationally, blending doo-wop elements with pop sensibilities.

In 1959, Tiara Records along with the Shirelles' contract was sold to Decca Records for $4,000; Florence Greenberg continued managing them and arranged prominent appearances such as at Washington D.C.’s Howard Theatre. Despite releasing two singles under Decca—including a rendition of "Dedicated to the One I Love"—the label ceased promoting them and returned their contract to Greenberg. On her new label Scepter Records, they re-released "Dedicated to the One I Love," which only reached No. 89 due to distribution shortcomings. To enhance their marketability, Greenberg brought in songwriter-producer Luther Dixon, noted for his work with Perry Como and Nat King Cole.

Their first single produced by Dixon, "Tonight's the Night" (1960), climbed to No. 39 and led to opportunities to perform alongside prominent artists like Etta James and Little Richard, boosting Scepter’s profile. The succeeding single "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", penned by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, became historic as the first Billboard number-one hit by an African-American girl group—and possibly any girl group. These successes were compiled on their 1961 album Tonight's the Night.

Following these achievements, the Shirelles frequently appeared on Murray the K’s radio shows in New York. They reissued "Dedicated to the One I Love," which rose to No. 3 on charts, followed by hits such as "Mama Said", "Baby It's You", "Soldier Boy", and "Boys", collaborating notably with saxophonist King Curtis.

After producer Dixon departed Scepter in 1963, their chart performance diminished. Owens and Coley took temporary leaves due to marriage; Dionne Warwick filled in during live shows while recordings continued. That year’s release "Foolish Little Girl" reached Top 10 on pop/R&B charts, and they contributed several tracks including "31 Flavors" for the soundtrack of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, which Baskin-Robbins used for promotional purposes. However, upon reaching age 21, they discovered that a trust fund promised for their royalties from Scepter did not exist as claimed. They exited Scepter and initiated legal action alleging breach of contract; Scepter countered with a lawsuit over their departure. Both claims were dropped in 1965 following a settlement agreement. This breach deeply affected them; Owens later expressed feelings of betrayal regarding Greenberg’s management.

Later career

The advent of the British Invasion alongside competition from groups such as the Supremes, the Ronettes, and Martha & the Vandellas led to a decline in The Shirelles' popularity. Due to family responsibilities, Coley often missed performances where Dionne Warwick substituted on stage. Contractually bound to Scepter until 1966, they were unable to record with other labels during that period. Their final charting single was "Last Minute Miracle" in 1967, which peaked at No. 99 on Billboard charts.

After several unsuccessful releases, Coley departed in 1968 to focus on family life. The remaining members recorded under various labels including Bell Records, RCA Victor, and United Artists until ceasing recording activities in 1971; thereafter they toured performing their classic repertoire. They contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the 1973 documentary Let the Good Times Roll. In 1975 Coley resumed her role as lead vocalist replacing Owens who had embarked on a solo career. Addie "Micki" Harris passed away from a heart attack in June 1982 following performances in Atlanta. In 1983, Owens, Lee, and Harris reunited with Dionne Warwick to record "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" for Warwick’s album How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye.

Current versions of the group

Today’s iterations of The Shirelles tour independently; Beverly Lee holds legal rights to use The Shirelles name commercially. One such lineup featured Geraldine Crowell—daughter of David Jones from The Rays. Shirley Owens appeared on PBS’s Doo Wop 51 special in 2000 and toured under "Shirley Alston Reeves and her Shirelles" until retiring in 2020. Beverly Lee continues touring with new members billed as "The Shirelles". Doris Coley died from breast cancer in Sacramento on February 4, 2000.

Deaths

Addie Harris died at age 41 due to a heart attack on June 10, 1982. Doris Coley succumbed to breast cancer at age 58 on February 4, 2000.

Style

Wadhams, Nathan, and Lindsay characterize The Shirelles’ early sound as featuring "tight harmonies reminiscent of doo-wop." Lead singer Owens’s voice was described by rock critic Alwyn W. Turner as “wonderfully expressive,” often carrying an impression of being “almost but not quite” off-key—imparting an aura of innocence. Music critic Albin Zak emphasizes her capacity to express longing and vulnerability through her vocals. Backing vocals contributed what music scholar Michael Campbell terms a “naive schoolgirl sound.” Their lyrics were straightforward yet subtly gendered—addressing female audiences while referring to male subjects as “he”—influencing later confessional female singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Musically, their collaboration with Dixon infused Brazilian baião rhythms along with syncopated beats.

Influence

Steve Huey from AllMusic credits The Shirelles with defining what became known as the “girl group sound,” characterized by gentle harmonies combined with an aura of innocence; they achieved crossover success both domestically and internationally prior to Motown’s rise. Their success inspired numerous imitators and established a template for future female pop artists. Turner notes they effectively “launched [the girl group] genre,” with their earliest recordings embodying its essential characteristics; Zak observes that many female groups emerged following “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” Campbell links their achievements with developments during the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting how songs like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”—written by white songwriters Goffin-King, produced by African-American Luther Dixon, performed by young black women with orchestral arrangements targeting white audiences—communicated a message transcending racial divides alongside its exploration of romantic themes.

The Beatles admired The Shirelles greatly; George Harrison acknowledged that their harmonies influenced Beatles’ vocal arrangements. Their debut album Please Please Me included covers of two Shirelles tracks: “Baby It’s You” and “Boys,” while Paul McCartney’s “[P.S. I Love You (Beatles song)|P.S. I Love You]” was crafted as an homage emulating The Shirelles’ “Soldier Boy.”

Accolades

In recognition of their musical legacy, The Shirelles received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award in 1994; Owens, Lee, and Kenner accepted it on behalf of the group while Coley dedicated hers through an impromptu rendition of “Soldier Boy” alongside her bandmates. They were inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 where they performed a medley during ceremonies held in New York City. Later in 2002 they were honored by induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, accepted by Lee and Owens.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked them No. 76 among its list of top-100 Greatest Artists released in 2004—praising their foundational role within girl-group music style. Two songs—“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Tonight's the Night”—were included on Rolling Stone’s list of greatest songs ever recorded published in 2010 at positions #126 and #409 respectively. Their compilation album Greatest Hits from 1963 was highlighted by critic Robert Christgau as part of his essential record collection and lauded as “one of the finest albums ever made widely available.”

In tribute from their hometown community in Passaic during 2008, a portion of Paulison Avenue was renamed “Shirelles Boulevard,” attended by surviving members; Owens remarked that this local honor held special significance given its origin from where they began their journey.

In 2022 their inaugural album Tonight's the Night was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress within its National Recording Registry recognizing its cultural importance.

Stage musical

The narrative of The Shirelles was dramatized in Baby It's You!, a musical revue created by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, centering around Florence Greenberg’s management at Scepter Records alongside The Shirelles’ story arc. This production ran for a total of 148 performances at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre between April 27 and September 4, 2011. Legal action ensued when Beverly Lee along with estates representing Doris Coley and Addie Harris sued Warner Bros over unauthorized use of their likenesses.

Discography

Albums

Year	Album	Billboard Top 200	Record label
1960	Tonight's the Night	—	Scepter Records
1961	The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets and Strings	—
1962	The Shirelles and King Curtis Give a Twist Party (with King Curtis)	—
	Baby It's You	—
1963	Foolish Little Girl	133
	It's a Mad, Mad World Soundtrack	—
1964	The Shirelles Sing the Golden Oldies	—
1965	Hear & Now		Pricewise Records
	Swing the Most
1967	Spontaneous Combustion		Scepter Records
1971	Happy and In Love		RCA Records
1972	The Shirelles
1973	Eternally Soul		Scepter Records

Compilation albums

Year	Album	Billboard Top 200	Record label
1963	"The Shirelles' Greatest Hits"	67	Scepter Records
1964	"The Shirelles Sing the Golden Oldies"	—	Scepter Records
1967	"The Shirelles' Greatest Hits Vol II"	—	Scepter Records
1972	"Remember When Volume 1"	—	Wand Records
	"Remember When Volume 2"	—	Wand Records
"The Shirelles Sing Their Very Best"	—	Springboard
"The Very Best of The Shirelles"	—	United Artists Records
"Anthology:1959–1964"	—	Rhino Entertainment

Singles

... [Further singles continue similarly]

Year	Single (A-side / B-side) Unless otherwise noted both tracks are from same album	Chart positions				Album
		US Hot 100	US R&B	Canada	UK
1958	"I Met Him on a Sunday (Ronde-Ronde)" b/w "I Want You To Be My Boyfriend"	49	—	17	—	Non-album track
	"My Love Is A Charm" b/w "Slop Time"	—	—	—	—	Non-album track
	"I Got The Message" b/w "Stop Me"	—	—	—	—	Non-album track
1959	"Dedicated To The One I Love" b/w "Look A Here Baby"	83	—	—	—	Tonight's The Night
	"Doin' The Ronde" b/w "A Teardrop And A Lollipop"	—	—	—	—	Tonight's The Night

* Billboard did not publish R&B charts during some periods listed above

References

Notes

Sources

^ Clemente, John (2000). Girl Groups—Remarkable Women Who Changed Music. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 276. . ^ Clemente, John (2013). Girl Groups—Remarkable Women Who Changed Music. Bloomington, Indiana: Authorhouse Publications. p. 623. (sc); (e).

• David Sheff (2000). All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-25464-4. https://archive.org/details/allwearesayingla00lenn

External links

• The Shirelles featured on Doo Wop Heaven
• Official Beverly Lee's The Shirelles website