Girl Group Chronicles: The Dixiebelles

    Mephis, Tennesse has long been a mecca for country music stars, but girl groups with a southern flavour have also been known to pop up from this region. Mary Hunt, Mildred Pratcher, and Shirley Thomas, better known as the Dixiebelles, enjoyed a brief moment in the spotlight in 1963, when they told the world about a little club called Papa Joe’s.

    The gals had previously done some back-up work around the South, but their career really began to take off in 1963 when they met producer Bill Justis. He had been involved with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1950s, and he had his own measure of success with an instrumental hit, "Raunchy." Fred Foster, the president of Monuement Records decided to sign Justis and his protoges to his label, and decided to make their first single the unusual "Down At Papa Joe’s."

    The song began with the girls laughing uncontrollably to the sound of dixieland-styled piano and continued into an ode toan old saloon which served "stir-fried chicken and watered greens." The song, written by Jerry Smith, quickly landed at number 9 on the Billboard pop charts, and prompted a sound-a-like follow-up.

    The equally enjoyable "Southtown U.S.A." bounded up into the Top 20, and things were looking good for the southern belles. An album called Down At Papa Joe’s was released with 12 gems including "Bo Weevil," "Good Night Irene," Swanne River (Where They Rock All Night)," and "Bourbon Street Parade."

    The album, now considered a rarity, was followed by the Dixiebelles third single. "New York Town." Once again it followed the similar style of their two previous hits. This time, however, the single didn’t click. Despite quite a bit of air-play, the song did not make the Top100.

    The Dixiebelles were dropped from the label, and no other singles followed. Presumably the gals went their seperate ways, and it is not known if they have ever regrouped to tour.