Recommendations of the Editorial team
The Shirelles had a “sound”-a term that was of eminent importance for the Vocal Group era.
Shirley Alston Reeves, responsible for most lead vocals, sounded soulful and lifelike. When she sang “baby, it’s you”, you actually felt addressed.
You weren’t the first girl group, but the first with a whole range of hits. Because they influenced pretty much everyone-from the ronettes to motown bands such as the supremes to the Beatles, the “Baby It’s You” and “Boys” covered. However, they also received some of the best songs that were ever written: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, “Soldier Boy”, “Tonight’s the Night” or “Mama Said”.
“Doo Ron, Day Ron, Day Ron Day Papa, Doo Ron” Sing you all
It is interesting, however, that they wrote “I met Him on a Sunday”, their first hit, when they went to the high school in New Jersey. And already on this recording they combined Doo-Wop with the handy melodies from pop music. The recording begins with the whole group: “Doo Ron, Day Ron, Day Ron Day Papa, Doo Ron” Sing them all until the lead vocals are eliminated: “Well, i met him on a Sunday …”
As a child I sat at home after school and followed her songs on the piano. Later, in the early nineties, I had a similarly inspiring experience again when the Shirelles were honored by the “Rhythm & Blues Foundation”: The three still living members – Shirley, Beverly Lee and Doris Jackson – were released at the award ceremony; Addie “Mikki” Harris died in 1982. I had heard that they hadn’t seen each other for years – and they were a little nervous behind the scenes when the three finally came on stage.
An appearance was not planned, but when Doris picked up the award, she only said: “This is dedicated to the one I love” – and then they started and sang it. The accompanying band got in and the spectators could hardly believe it. And Shirley, Berverly and Doris had so much fun that they were still going on “Soldier Boy”. This was a group that had not sung together for years, but they just sounded divine. I stood tight and saluted. I just couldn’t help it.