Three pretty, white, middle-class teenagers from Orange, New Jersey started singing professionally as a sessions group. Sisters Jiggs and Barbara Allbut and their friend Linda Jansen formed a group they named the Starlets. They figured that if they could produce a hit as a rock and roll act, they would be free to record McGuire Sisters type ballads which were their first interest.

For a few years they wavered between styles and finally, recording as the Angels, they charted with a version of the Tony Bennett single 'Til. The top twenty hit gave the girls an opportunity to be selective of the material presented to them.

Their next offering was Cry Baby Cry which, although reaching only the top 40 on the pop charts, was a big hit on the R&B charts. That recognition got them a job at Harlem's Apollo Theatre.

Linda left the group and was replaced by Peggy Santiglia. There followed a period of ballad singing while the Angels tried to figure out what image to present. Rock and Roll still brought forth unsavory images for many parents. Fortunately for us, their attempts at respectability failed and the girls went back into the studio, this time, to give us their biggest hit My Boyfriend's Back. The song reflected the attitude of the day that girls had to be submissive and dependent upon males. As a statement of feminine independence the tune left a lot to be desired, but, as a girl's group standard it ranks with the best.

The Angels were more versatile than most people realize and backed up such performers as Jackie Wilson and Sal Mineo. They toured extensively in the US and Europe. On tour they were performing with the likes of Gerry and the Pacemakers. They were also the background singers on Lou Christie's 1966 number 1 hit Lightnin' Strikes.

Their songs provide a great example of the sixties mass-produced pop rock. The Angels, albeit with some changes, are still active today.


Bibliography:
Aquila, Richard. That Old Time Rock and Roll, A Chronicle of an Era, 1954-1963. New York: Schirmer Books, 1989
Warner, Jay The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups, A History 1940-1990. New York: Billboard Books, 1992
Gaar, Gillian G. She's A Rebel, The History of women in Rock and Roll Seatle: Seal Press, 1992
Grieg, Charlotte Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, Girl Groups from the 50's on... London: Virago Press, 1989
Szatmary, David A Time To Rock, A Social History of Rock 'N' Roll New York: Schirmer Books, 1996

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