The Velvelettes: The Band That Defined the Sound of the 1970s.
Introduction:
The Velvelettes were an all-female American vocal group formed in 1961, who were signed to the Motown label. They are best known for their hit singles "Needle in a Haystack" and "He Was Really Saying Something" which have been covered many times and have been featured in films and TV shows. The Velvelettes were one of the first female groups to be signed to Motown, and their music helped pave the way for other female artists at the label.
Background.
The Velvelettes were formed in 1961 in Detroit, Michigan. The original members of the group were Carolyn Gill, Norma Barbee, and Mildred Gill Arrington. They were later joined by Betty Kelly and Bertha Barbee-McNeal. The group's name was inspired by the velvet-like sound of their harmonies.
Career.
The Velvelettes signed with Motown in 1962 and released their first single, "He Was Really Saying Something," in 1964. The song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number five on the R&B chart. Their second single, "Needle in a Haystack," was released in 1964 and reached number 45 on the Hot 100 and number 10 on the R&B chart.
The Velvelettes' third single, "Lonely, Lonely Girl Am I," was released in 1965 but did not chart. However, their fourth single, "Throw a Farewell Kiss," reached number 80 on the Hot 100 and number 24 on the R&B chart.
The Velvelettes released their first and only album, "The Velvelettes," in 1965. The album featured their hit singles as well as several other tracks, including covers of songs by The Beatles and The Supremes.
After the release of their album, the Velvelettes' popularity began to wane, and they were dropped from the Motown label in 1967. They continued to perform together for a few more years before ultimately disbanding in 1970.
Legacy.
Despite their relatively short career, The Velvelettes left a lasting impact on the music industry. Their music helped pave the way for other female artists at Motown and influenced a generation of musicians. The Velvelettes' songs have been covered by other artists, and their music has been featured in films, TV shows, and commercials.
The Velvelettes' music continues to be popular among fans, with many of their songs still being streamed and downloaded today. According to Google Trends, The Velvelettes' songs continue to be searched for by fans across the world.
In recent years, The Velvelettes' music has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many of their songs being featured in documentaries, films, and TV shows. The Velvelettes' music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Conclusion:-
The Velvelettes were one of the first all-female groups to be signed to Motown, and their music helped pave the way for other female artists at the label. Despite their relatively short career, The Velvelettes left a lasting impact on the music industry and continue to be popular among fans today. The Velvelettes' music continues to be streamed and downloaded and is still being searched by fans. The Velvelettes' music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.