Check out this short interview to hear a couple of the Bobbettes talk about the groups' beginnings in Spanish Harlem. Also some interesting facts about Mr. Lee. Skip to about 1:20.
They were the first girl group to have a # 1 R&B hit that also reached the top 10 on the pop charts. Of course I'm talking about "Mr. Lee". If you're from my generation you were most likely introduced to "Mr. Lee" through the film "Stand By Me." However, even if it hadn't been one of the many jewels on that soundtrack, you most likely would have encountered the song because it is one of the best records EVER. The internet tells me that the song was originally written as a slam on the girls' teacher, Mr. Lee. Atlantic Records reportedly made them change the lyrics to make the song less controversial.
"Mr. Lee" was their biggest hit and though the group stayed together until the mid-70s, they failed to reach that kind of chart success again. But who cares?! Too much of 20th century music history writing is focused on hits and chart success. The simple fact is that these girls were a group of ATOMIC FIREBALLS - sweet, explosive and they set the listener on FIRE!
Why do I love the Bobbettes? Let me count the ways:
1. They wrote at least half of their songs.
2. They were far more gritty than most of their fellow girl group counterparts at the time (see the Chantels).
3. Incredible harmonies with really interesting, unique, multi-layered parts that made their records ultra energetic.
4. Sass. Pure and simple. I love me some sassy ladies!
So, today I ask you to celebrate Women's History Month by listening to these choice Bobbettes selections.
THIS ONE!
There are so many good ones. It's really hard to restrict myself here. Check this one out!
This is an answer to Chris Kenner's "I Like it Like That".
It's superior to the original as far as I'm concerned.
They are rumored to have done backing vocals on this classic.
Here we have a fine mid-60s effort.
This super feminist message song has become a northern soul favorite.
Take a listen and you'll see why.
And we'll close out our Bobbettes listening session with this cover of a pop classic.
- Post by Portland's DJ Action Slacks of Sugar Town
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