Girl Group Chronicles: Bobbettes

Although the term "girl group" is used to describe groups of young female singers, solo vocalists, and even groups of both males and females who have a certain sound, every once in a while, their is really a group that fits the image. Eight 9-11 year old girls from New York took the rock’n’roll world by storm with a catchy little ditty called "Mr. Lee."

Heather Dixon, Laura Webb, Helen Gathers, and sisters Heather and Jannie Pought, attended Public School #109 togther in NYC. The girls, originally an octet called the Harlem Queens, became fast friends at their church, and sang together on street corners, and at school. The girls soon graduated onto the party circuit, and a man named James Daily soon took them under his wing and to Atlantic Records. The name on the contracts, however, was the Bobbettes.

With four group compositions in hand the girls went into the studio in late 56/early 57. One song which really peaked the interest of execs was called "Mr. Lee." With a hook heavy melody, and great girl doo-wop back-up vocals, the song sounded like hit material. But the lyrics didn’t. Mr. Lee was a teacher the girls had who was not popular, and the original song lyrics were not all that flattering.

A re-write brought the song to the top of the R& B charts, (the first time an all female group had done this during the rock era) and number 6 on the pop charts, (the first time a black girl group had reached the Top 10!) Mr. Lee apparently isn’t aware of the truth behind this hit as he wrote a glowing review of the girls for their 1997 Crash Records compilation.

Despite a huge Top 10 record and incredible popularity on the chitlin circuit, the Bobbettes next four releases couldn’t find there way onto the charts at all. Atlantic started to lose interest, and after one final recording session in 1959, which included a sequel to their big hit called "I Shot Mr. Lee," where the girls finally sang what they really thought about their teacher. Atlantic opted to release a double-sided ballad instead.

The girls, on the other hand, thought they had a hit on their hands, and when they switched over to the small Triple X label in 1960, the convinced the owners to record the song. The new version became an immediate hit on the charts, prompting Atlantic to issue the original version. Both charted when it was all said and done, but the smaller label won out with their version reaching number 52, the group’s biggest hit since "Mr. Lee."

Another Triple X record, "Have Mercy, Baby," b/w "Dance With Me Georgie," (a re-write of Etta James’ "Roll With Me Henry." Both side made the lower end of the chart in 1960. Soon the Bobbettes traveled to End Records, who had so much success with the Chantels in the late 50s. "I Don’t Like It Like," was the gals last charter, but several quality recordings on a variety of different labels, including "Are You Satisfied," "Teddy," "Close Your Eyes," (later recorded by the 3 Degrees for Swan) "Somebody Bad Stole De Wedding Bell," and "Love That Bomb," recorded for the classic film, Dr, Strangelove, followed proving the were one of the greatest vocal groups ever.

Several releases on the Diamond label, specifically, "In Paradise," saw the Bobbettes trying to modernize their sound, but by 1966, "It’s All Over," spoke prophetically for the group’s recording career; at least for a few years.

Consistent touring kept the girls in the minds of the public, but it was not until 1971 that the Bobbettes would make their next appearance on vinyl, on Mayhew Records. After 1974 they started appearing on oldies revival tours around the world. The Bobbettes may be best known for their little ditty, "Mr. Lee," but twenty years of records provides a strong testament to their versatile sound, and high quality song book.