Three X Sisters

The Three X Sisters
Company type	Vocal group
Industry	Music, entertainment
Founded	1924
Founder	Pearl Santos (Hamilton), Violet Hamilton, Jessie Fordyce
Headquarters	United States
Area served	United States, United Kingdom, Europe
Products	Vocal performances, radio broadcasts, recordings, film shorts

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Three X Sisters, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

The Three X Sisters were a female harmony vocal group from the United States, initially known under the name The Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce. Established in 1924, the ensemble featured Pearl Santos (born Hamilton), Violet Hamilton hailing from Cumberland, Maryland, and Jessie Fordyce originating from Brooklyn, New York. They earned acclaim on NBC radio as "radio's premier harmony trio".

History and career

Pearl and Violet’s lineage traced back to Cumberland, Maryland, with heritage encompassing European and Creek people roots. Both siblings achieved early prominence in local theater circuits, drawing musical inspiration from composers such as Chopin and Stephen Foster. Jessie Fordyce, descending from Scottish ancestry, was a childhood performer on Brooklyn vaudeville stages, recognized under the stage name "Baby Helen". By 1914, each member had established themselves as performers within their respective scenes.

Pearl embarked on her Broadway journey by 1917, beginning as a dancer who received favorable critiques. The Hamilton Sisters initiated their professional harmony singing career at Chicago’s Haymarket Theatre. Early musical influences for Pearl included exposure to the Original Dixieland Jass Band and collaborations with the Morette Sisters, noted instrumentalists specializing in ragtime and classical genres. By 1920, Pearl and Violet participated in the 'All Jazz Revue' vocal ensemble, later joined by Jessie Fordyce. Their repertoire featured numbers like "Oh Baby!", which was later integrated into the 1928 Broadway production "Rain or Shine".

The trio made appearances on Broadway and vaudeville stages alongside performers such as Helen Kane and Anna Mae Wong. Drawing inspiration from Irving Berlin and Broadway traditions, they focused on tight three-part harmonies. Their earliest documented trio engagement took place at B.F. Keith's Theater in Syracuse, New York, in 1923. In 1924, they toured vaudeville circuits with Helen Kane and performed with the Raymond Fagan Orchestra, a group comparable to Paul Whiteman’s ensembles. During this period, Pearl met Ed Santos, a trumpeter with the orchestra; they subsequently married in Rochester, New York.

By 1925, the group appeared at New York’s Eighty-First Street Theatre. The following year saw them touring alongside the all-female act Jerry and her Baby Grands, performing at venues including New York’s Palace Theater and extending their tour into Canada.

1927

Following their success in the spring of 1927's "Stars of the Future" showcase, The Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce embarked on a European tour. Under the management of Ed Wolfe, they departed Long Island alongside New York's Savoy Orpheans during the week commencing May 23, 1927.

While in the United Kingdom, they engaged with American composers Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. They recorded sessions with British bandleader Bert Ambrose, musical director Caroll Gibbons, and violinist Reg Batton. Their itinerary included performances in London and Manchester at prominent venues such as the London Palladium, Alhambra Theatre of Variety, and Plaza Theatre. They attracted significant attention through their involvement in the theatrical production Blue Skies.

On October 27, 1927, Irish baritone Harry Plunket Greene commended their performance after a UK show: "The Hamilton Sisters & Fordyce are just A1 as they are... I do trust they leave things alone, not try to change."

In November of that year, they collaborated with pianist Billy Mayerl to produce harmonized recordings of "Who You, That's Who?" and "Zulu Wail". Their initial radio broadcasts were transmitted via the BBC. The trio returned to the United States after traveling from England to Paris on December 10; they then embarked aboard the U.S.S. Leviathan from Cherbourg on December 15, 1927.

Sources indicate that this period was followed by a two-year contract with BBC radio and tours featuring performances with the Savoy Havana Band across European venues including Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Monte Carlo, as well as appearances at the 'Kit Kat Club' during 1928.

From Broadway to American Radio

After the success of the vaudeville revue Playtime, which originated from Jessie’s idea and was penned by Tom Howard, the group attracted notice from the Broadway production Rain or Shine in early 1928. Their act alongside comedian Joe Cook received high praise, allowing Playtime to continue independently.

The trio's entry into radio was marked by promotional photographs featuring eye masks, capitalizing on radio's rising popularity. Pearl opted to concentrate on extensive tours across the United States and secured sponsorship deals with companies such as Ford, Chase and Sanborn, Best Foods, and Tydol to boost their radio presence. Renamed "The Three X Sisters," they appeared in the November 1932 edition of Radio Digest Magazine. From October through December, they held a 7:30 pm broadcast slot on WABC-CBS, preceding Connie Boswell.

Their appearances extended to ABC radio with cartoon-inspired songs, a performance on the Eddie Cantor Show harmonizing "Those Eddie Cantor Eyes," and recordings of rhythm and blues numbers like "Old Clothes," "Good Times Coming," and "Still No Luck With You," featuring Pearl’s piano accompaniment and Steve Brown on bass. Pearl developed her piano technique during their involvement with the Musical Grocery Store radio program alongside the Harry Salter Orchestra.

By 1934, they were featured on The Nick Kenny Radio Hour and took part in Kenny’s scripted "Radio Scandals." They also provided voice work for Max Fleischer cartoons and secured a regular time slot on NBC Radio by 1933. The Three X Sisters remained active on the airwaves until 1938 and continued to draw crowds at venues such as Chicago Theater, Palace Theater in New York City, and Stanley Theater in Pennsylvania—sharing billing with performers like the Three Stooges. Their unique name consistently garnered media interest.

Recordings and Film Shorts in the 1930s

Between 1927 and 1933, the trio produced 15 documented professional recordings—nearing 20 when including medleys—primarily released on records. This tally excludes soundtracks for Fleischer cartoons. Their most notable filmed musical routine was featured in the 1935 Paramount Pictures short "Rex and His Soundeffects." From 1933 to 1938, they created between 100 and 200 transcribed recordings—mainly affordable commercial 16-inch discs and Tin Pan Alley 10-inch records—although many have since deteriorated. Additional recordings from 1937 and between 1940–42 survive on NBC's "Behind the Mike," Fleischer Studio soundtracks, and demo tapes. The UK harmony group The Haywood Sisters has revived "Rex and His Sound Effects" and is actively working to record more material from The Three X Sisters for contemporary listeners.

In 1932, The Three X Sisters joined the CBS Tydol Jubilee Show and toured with Paul Specht and His Orchestra, which enjoyed popularity among college audiences. That July, performing as the Hamilton Sisters, they released "The Clouds Will Soon Roll By" accompanied by Eddy Duchin. In October of that year, they recorded multiple tracks with Isham Jones's band for RCA Victor; Jones introduced arrangements reflecting early Swing influences. These Victor-Isham Jones sessions were also filmed. The trio appeared in the 1932 short film The Audition, featuring jazz guitarist Eddie Lang (heard but not seen) accompanying their rendition of "Here Comes The Showboat," a song that retained popularity into 1933.

Later in 1933, they performed at the Coolidge memorial service held at Washington Cathedral. Pearl began archiving radio broadcasts using recording services during this period. In 1934, they collaborated with Mary Small on "Little Miss Babo Surprise Party." In 1935, the trio worked alongside the Paramount Studio Orchestra on the short film Excuse My Gloves (also known as Pardon My Glove), delivering a highly praised performance of "Rex and His Sound Effects" highlighted by close-ups of guitar playing. This Swing-era styled short was acclaimed as one of the summer’s standout productions by announcer Ted Husing.

Harmony trio's presence on 1930s radio

During the early 1930s, while groups such as the Boswell Sisters and Brox Sisters exited the radio scene, the Three X Sisters maintained their status as leading harmonizers on American airwaves. Initially affiliated with CBS, they later secured a contract with NBC. Throughout the summer and fall of 1932, the trio appeared three times weekly alongside Tidewater and the Freddie Rich Orchestra on CBS, also featuring with Paul Specht on various nightly broadcasts. Their inaugural "Artist Bureau" agreement with NBC commenced on February 13, 1933, transmitting via WJZ (AM). A rivalry developed between the Three X Sisters and the Do-Re-Mi's, both regarded as premier harmony acts of the era. After leaving the Tidewater Oil Show, they joined programs like the Eddie Cantor Show and Best Foods-sponsored Musical Grocery Store Program in 1933, collaborating with performers such as Tom Howard and Jeanie Lang. Additionally, from May through December 1933, they made guest appearances on the Lum and Abner show. In 1934, their frequent features included performances with Mary Small on her Little Miss Bab-O Program (Babbitt Company). On April 8 of that year, they appeared alongside baritone Mario Cozzi on WEAF. By 1935, they had renewed their NBC contract for a 26-week term and were well-established figures at WJZ and WEAF (WNBC (AM)).

Between 1933 and 1935, the trio regularly occupied a prominent role at the Waldorf Astoria's "Theatre Circuit" microphone, often supported by orchestras led by Eddie Duchin and Emil Coleman. Their repertoire was frequently broadcast in 1934, including performances on Little Miss Bab-O's Surprise Party featuring Mary Small and Bill Wirges' Orchestra.

In August 1934, they appeared at Atlantic City's Steel Pier alongside Mary Small and other NBC personalities. Early in 1935, they toured Chicago with broadcasts over WJZ before returning to New York. The group featured on CBS's 'One Night Stand,' performing the novelty tune "Three Little Pigs Are Porkchops Now." They also participated in WEAF-NBC’s 'Rhythm Octette' program on Fridays, sharing the stage with the Three Scamps and pianists Morton Gould and Bert Shefster. November 1935 saw them headlining a gala variety event at the Hotel Astor. Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, their radio engagements remained consistent. Shortly after three weeks of national radio exposure, they secured roles in movie shorts. Radio Guide magazine highlighted Mary Small’s acknowledgment of the Three X Sisters as an inspiration for her own career.

Their prominence on radio extended into 1936, where they performed alongside acts such as the New Ziegfeld Follies and monologist Oliver Wakefield. Their setlists included popular numbers like "Last Round Up," a Billy Hill composition published by Shapiro and Bernstein Music Publishers located in Broadway’s Tin Pan Alley. By 1937, their connections to songwriters and sheet music publishers remained robust. They recorded further sessions at Harry Smith Recording Studio in New York City. Although rumors circulated early that year about their potential departure from radio, they continued to deliver highly praised blues-influenced harmonies. The trio was frequently engaged to promote sheet music and advanced soundtrack pieces for Hollywood productions. Noteworthy songs included "It Looks Like Rain In Cherry Blossom Lane" and "Would You?"—the latter serving as an on-air promotion for the film San Francisco. Pearl emphasized their role by stating, "We sell songs on the air," highlighting their considerable impact within radio broadcasting.

Evolution of Broadway Styles

Following their 1937 radio acclaim, the trio produced demo recordings with several musicians. By 1938, Pearl B. Santos had established her own All Star Band and laid down tracks at Columbia Recording Studio, which was on the verge of bankruptcy prior to its acquisition. This situation left the Three X Sisters without ongoing radio or recording engagements. Pearl’s network extended to members of the Dorsey Brothers, Harry Salter, Bill Wirges, and Ernie Watson orchestras. The sole surviving recording from this era is WNEW's "Why'd You Make Me?" featuring Pearl on piano. Pearl’s compositions and piano arrangements, well-known from radio broadcasts, gained renewed attention through this platform. The X Sisters made public appearances alongside Henry Armetta and the Three Stooges and maintained performances at Fleisher Paramount Studio.

In 1939, the Three X Sisters worked with performers such as Rita Rio in a "new Swing Review," co-composed "Jive Rumba" with Gerald Griffin, and by year-end performed again with Mary Small. After 1940, Pearl’s band rehearsed fresh original pieces with vocalist Mary Small, creating a distinctive ensemble. Patty Andrews, in a 1990s interview, acknowledged the Three X Sisters as early innovators of jazz harmony. The late 1937 Swing Era introduced contemporary recording techniques that transformed audience preferences.

On September 29, 1940, NBC’s Blue Network aired Graham McNamee’s Behind the Mike, where he showcased Mary Small’s singing talents alongside Pearl, Vi, and Jessie. A reunion broadcast on January 26, 1941, on McNamee’s show revived their harmonic vocals and premiered an English adaptation of the Latin-infused "Frenesi," conducted by Ernie Watson with his NBC Orchestra—marking their last recorded radio performance; they appeared again on January 31. In 1940, Pearl’s songwriting coupled with Mary’s vocals produced a '78 demo titled "Smile American Smile." By March 1941, this track was featured on Morely's "On Page Two" programs broadcasted via Brooklyn’s WBBC and WEVD stations. Jessie took on the role of Ginger Raymond in The O’Neills radio series.

Around 1943 or 1944, Pearl’s group updated her compositions while participating in USO benefit concerts and recorded jingles for Pennsylvania’s Carr Biscuit Company; Jessie adopted the persona "Cookie Carr" for commercials and performed live duets with Artie Dunn of the Three Suns. Each member also pursued solo opportunities; Pearl collaborated live with Mary Small utilizing her songwriting and big-band arrangements. Subsequently, Pearl produced shows centered around her compositions. By 2020, their Centennial Celebration of Songs commemorated their harmonic legacy alongside re-recordings of Pearl’s original works from the late 1930s through early 1950s, preserved on modern 33LP albums.

Catalogue of Songs

Chimes Of Merry Christmas (Pearl B. Santos and Violet W. Hamilton) 1940 – Crafted by Pearl & Violet during their tenure with Jessie as part of the Three X Sisters. This home-recorded 78 rpm features Violet providing vocals and chimes, Pearl on piano and backing harmonies, accompanied by Matilda Bovey on harp. Released digitally December 20, 2021.
Contemporary tributes include "Rex and His Soundeffects" (aired September 3, 2016 on WERA 96.7FM Arlington, Virginia) alongside selections such as "Muddy Water" and "Indian Rock and Roll."
Documentaries and homages: The Little Girl With The Big Voice (Mary Small, 2015), The Haywood Sisters (2013), and the Choo Choo Sisters (2014).
"My Heart Stood Still" (R. Rodgers, L. Hart); June 1927; England (Brunswick-105). Ambrose & His Mayfair Orchestra featuring vocals by Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
"The Birth of the Blues" (DeSylva, Brown, Henderson); June 1927; England (Brunswick-108), same orchestra and vocalists.
"One Summer Night" (Coslow, Spier); June 1927; England (Brunswick-107), same ensemble.
"Possibly"; June 1927; England (Brunswick-107), same performers.
"Someone to Watch Over Me" (G. Gershwin); 1927; England. Savoy Orpheans (His Master's Voice-B5322), vocals by Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
"Blue Room" (R. Rodgers, L. Hart); 1927; England. Savoy Orpheans (His Master's Voice-B5322), vocals Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
Alternate version of "One Summer Night"; Savoy Orpheans (His Master's Voice-B5333), recorded same date.
"The Man I Love"; 1927; England stage production featuring vocals by Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
"Who, You That's Who?" (Yellen-Ager) (Columbia 4698); November 1927; England. Piano accompaniment by Billy Meryl; vocals Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
"Zulu Wail" (Skinner-Bibo) (Columbia 4698); November 1927; England. Piano by Billy Meryl; vocals Hamilton Sisters and Fordyce.
"The Devil Is Afraid Of Music" (W.Robison) from UK theatrical show Blue Skies in 1927.
"Here Comes the Showboat" (B. Rose, M. Pinkard); Vitaphone-Warner Bros.; Audition recording from 1932; guitarist Eddie Lang; vocals by Three X Sisters.
"The Clouds Will Soon Roll By" (Woods, Brown); July 1, 1932; Columbia 2680-D; Eddie Duchin & His Central Park Casino Orchestra; vocals Hamilton Sisters.
"Where, I Wonder, Where?" (Victor 24161); Isham Jones Orchestra featuring Three X Sisters vocals.
"What Would Happen to Me if Something Happened to You?" (Victor 24162); October 13, 1932; New York Studio No.1; Isham Jones & His Orchestra; vocals Three X Sisters.
"Shuffle Off to Buffalo"; June 16, 1933; radio transcript recording from Broadway's 42nd Street musical featuring Three X Sisters vocals.
"Everybody Loves My Baby"; October 21, 1932; CBS Radio log entry.
"The Night When Love Was Born"; October 21, 1932; CBS Radio log entry.
"I Love To Sing At The Opera"; 1933 radio transcript recording with Three X Sisters vocals.
"Scat Song"; soundtrack for Paramount Pictures cartoon Sing Sisters Sing in 1933; vocals by Three X Sisters.
"If Mother's Could Live On Forever"; July 20, 1937 NBC radio transcript recording.
Satirical piece "Marcus Park Your Carcus Somewhere Else" from Rudy Valley Show; July 20, 1937 WEAF radio transcript recording.
"Old Clothes"; July 20, 1937 WEAF radio transcript recording.
"Would You?"; recorded for NBC radio in 1937 featuring Three X Sisters vocals.
"Why'd Ya' Make Me"; August 20, 1938 WNEW broadcast performance.
"It Looks Like Rain In Cherry Blossom Lane"; July 20, 1937 NBC radio transcript recording.
"Sing and Be Happy"; August 17, 1937 radio transcript recording.
"So Many Memories" (R.Rodgers, L.Hart); included with Yours and Mine in July 20, 1937 radio transcript recordings.
"This Is My Last Affair" (H.Johnson); featured alongside Yours and Mine on July 20, 1937 NBC radio transcript recordings; vocals by Violet Wanita Hamilton.
"Yours and Mine"; July 20, 1937 NBC radio transcript recording.
"You Can't Brush Me Off" (Irving Berlin); demo recorded in1940 with vocals by Violet Wanita Hamilton.
"Tiger Rag"; captured in a radio transcript recording.
Good Times Coming; preserved via radio transcript recording.
"Frenesi" (Alberto Dominguez): English lyrics by Ray Charles and S.K. Russell; NBC 'Behind the Mike'; January26,1941 radio transcript recording featuring Three X Sisters vocals.
"Maybe I Lost Your Love By Lovin' You So"; published by Shapiro & Bernstein in1946; introduced by Russ Morgan and His Orchestra. Demo recorded by Hamilton Sisters December11,1945.
"Muddy Water"; demo recorded in1937 featuring Violet Wanita Hamilton's vocals.

Cartoon Theme Songs

"Barnacle Bill The Sailor"; performed by Three X Sisters with Paul Specht & His Orchestra on WABC November18,1932 broadcast.
"Betty Boop" (John Green, Edward Heyman); Famous Music Corporation release aired on WABC November1932.
"Poor Robinson Caruso"; Harry Smith Recording Service NYC WEAF April5,1937 session featuring Luz Brothers musicians with Three X Sisters vocals.
"Rex and His Soundeffects"; featured in Paramount Pictures' 'Excuse My Gloves' aka 'Pardon My Glove' from1935 with Three X Sisters vocal contributions.

Significant Songs

"A-Tisket, A-Tasket", "You Too Can Be The Life Of The Party", Alexander's Ragtime Band performed live at Hippodrome Baltimore Maryland October30,1938 event.
"Bye Bye Baby" (R.King); WEAF July20,1937 Radio Recording Service ARS archive.
"Throwing Stones At The Sun"
"The Old Spinning Wheel"
"I'm An Old Cowhand"
"Colorado Moon"
"Please Mr President"; WEAF June16,1933 broadcast
"Sweet Georgia Brown"
Selections including “Mardi Gras,” “Song of the Islands,” “Mississippi Mud” performed live with Paul Specht & Orchestra on WABC November18,1932
"Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" from the1934 Paramount Pictures feature performed during 'Radio Roundup' segment in film Six Of A Kind.

External links