The Bobbettes, an American R&B group, were formed in 1955 in Harlem, New York. The original lineup included Emma and Janice Pought, Laura Webb, Helen Gathers, and Reather Dixon. Known initially as The Harlem Queens, they were discovered by producer James Daily at the Apollo Theater. Their debut single "Mr. Lee" was released in 1957 on Atlantic Records, reaching number 6 on the US Singles Charts and topping the R&B Charts for four weeks, making them the first African American girl group to achieve a Top 10 hit. The Bobbettes' subsequent releases included "I Shot Mr. Lee" in 1960, which peaked at number 52 on the charts after being released by Triple-X Records. That year, they extended their streak with "Dance With Me Georgie" and its B-side "Have Mercy Baby". In 1961, they released "I Donât Like It Like That", an answer song to Chris Kenner's "I Like It Like That", which reached number 72 on the charts. Despite frequent label changes, including stints with Gone Records, Jubilee Records, Diamond Records, RCA Records, and Mayhew Records, The Bobbettes did not achieve further chart success. The group disbanded in 1974. Notable posthumous releases include I Shot Mr Lee (2009) and Presenting The Bobbettes (2021).
Read All
Read Less