The Shirelles: Pioneers of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound
Introduction
The Shirelles, an all-girl group from Passaic, New Jersey, paved the way for future female soul and pop singers in the early 60s. With their angelic harmonies, poignant lyrics, and upbeat melodies, they became icons in the music world. Known for their classic hits such as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Mama Said,” and “Soldier Boy,” the Shirelles influenced a generation of musicians. Let’s dive into the lives of these talented women to discover what made them truly legendary.
Singer’s Biography
The Shirelles consist of four members: Shirley Owens (later known as Shirley Alston-Reeves), Beverly Lee, Doris Coley (later known as Doris Kenner Jackson), and Addie “Micki” Harris. The group formed in 1957, with Shirley as the lead singer and Beverly, Doris, and Addie providing the backup vocals. They first called themselves “The Poquellos,” but after winning a talent contest, they rebranded themselves as the Shirelles.
Age and Relationships
Shirley Owens was born on June 10, 1941, Beverly Lee was born on August 3, 1941, Doris Coley was born on August 2, 1941, and Addie Harris was born on January 22, 1940. Unfortunately, Addie passed away on June 10, 1982, due to lung cancer. As for their relationships, Shirley Owens married Luther Alston in 1962 and later remarried Bob Reeves in 1975. Beverly Lee married Teddy Williams in 1963 and divorced in 2004. Doris Coley married her husband Gus Jackson in 1964 before divorcing him in 1984.
Children
Shirley Owens has two children named Chantel and Vincent. Beverly Lee has one son named Gerald who is a bass player. Doris Coley has three children named Gus Jr., John, and Starleana.
Height
Shirley Owens stands at 5’1″, Beverly Lee stands at 5’2″, Doris Coley stands at 5’3″, and Addie Harris stood at 5’4″ before her passing.
Career
Their first recording, “I Met Him on a Sunday,” was a hit in 1958, propelling the Shirelles to stardom. They continued to release chart-topping records such as “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Foolish Little Girl,” and “Baby, It’s You.” The group became one of the first acts to cross over to white audiences, with their hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960.
One of the prime highlights of their career was their partnership with legendary producer Phil Spector. Their collaboration resulted in “Be My Baby,” which remains one of Spector’s most famous works and is considered a classic of the “Wall of Sound” music production technique. Spector also produced the Shirelles’ “Baby, It’s You” and “Soldier Boy.”
The group influenced an array of young female artists including Dusty Springfield, Carole King, and The Beatles, whose song “Boys” was a cover of The Shirelles’ “Boys.”
Top songs
The Shirelles released many popular hits throughout their career. Some of their top songs include:
- “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”
- “Mama Said”
- “Dedicated to the One I Love”
- “Foolish Little Girl”
- “Soldier Boy”
- “Baby It’s You”
Net Worth
As of 2021, the net worth of Shirley Alston-Reeves, Beverly Lee, and Doris Kenner-Jackson are estimated to be around $5 million, $8 million, and $3 million, respectively.
Conclusion
The Shirelles may no longer be active, but their music and legacy live on in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide today. Their influence in the music industry has been so profound that they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Through their music, the Shirelles paved the way for future generations of strong, independent female musicians. It’s remarkable to see how far music has come since the Shirelles’ debut, yet they are still celebrated as one of the greatest pop groups of all time.
