By Jacob Clavijo | Editor-in-Chief
The rise of girl groups in the music industry have helped promote female empowerment, independence, and self-expression. Aside from their distinct vocal harmonies and impact on fashion trends, some of the groups on this week’s list were responsible for breaking down both gender and racial barriers in their respective time periods. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are five songs from my collection released by some of my favorite girl groups.
The Supremes, “Your Heart Belongs to Me” (1962)
The Supremes are by far one of the most influential and widely-known girl groups in the music industry. Not only did their rise to stardom break down gender barriers, but the group also had a vital role breaking down racial barriers during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s. Originally formed by Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown and Diana Ross, The Supremes were responsible for some of the greatest soul and R&B hits of their time. This record, written by legendary singer Smokey Robinson, was actually the first record off of their debut album, Meet the Supremes, released in 1962. This record has a special significance to me, and it is a great introduction to the heavenly sound that the group was known for.
“Lover of mine, if I could tell you how I yearn for the day to come when you will return from far across the sea. So remember that your heart belongs to me.”
The Three Degrees, “When Will I See You Again” (1973)
Formed in Philadelphia in 1963, the group’s original lineup was composed of Fayette Pinkney, Shirley Porter, and Linda Turner. Though their members have changed throughout the years, the group has been one of the most long-standing acts in R&B and are still presently active. This record, arguably their most-known song, was released in 1973 and became an international hit.
“When will I see you again? When will we share precious moments? Will I have to wait forever?”
The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (1960)
Widely-known as the creators of the “girl-group sound,” The Shirelles have contributed to female history as much as any other group. The group was founded in 1957 by classmates Shirley Owens, Doris Coley, Addie Harris, and Beverly Lee, in New Jersey. This song made history when it became the first number one record on the Billboard Hot 100 by an all-female group. Throughout the Civil Rights Era, The Shirelles were responsible for helping break down racial barriers, alongside some of their colleagues in the music industry, as their music was enjoyed by both black and white audiences.
“Tonight with words unspoken you say that I’m the only one. But will my heart be broken when the night meets the morning sun?”
The Angels, “Thank You and Goodnight” (1963)
One of the lesser-known groups on this list, The Angels are one of my personal favorite girl groups. The group was formed in New Jersey in 1958 by Barbara Allbut, Phyllis Allbut, Bernadette Carroll, and Lynda Malzone. While they did not have as much commercial success as the previous groups on this list, their 1963 hit “My Boyfriend’s Back” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is regarded as one of the quintessential girl group songs. This is another song that has a special place in my heart.
“Funny, the hours seemed to go by so fast. I hope that this time won’t be the last. I want to see you again.”
Honey Cone was formed in 1968 by singers Edna Wright, Carolyn Willis, and Shelly Clark. Prior to becoming a group, each singer had spent years in the music industry working as backup singers. This record peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 100 and helped propel the group into the mainstream. This record’s empowering message strongly resonated with female audiences, as it revolves around a woman taking ownership of her love life and not settling for less.
“I spend my nights alone, cryin’ bitter tears. Although I cry out loud, nobody really hears.”
This concludes this week’s Hi-Fi Five. I hope you enjoy these selections as much as I do. Make sure to check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify.
