The Chantels

The Chantels were the first black female group to have nationwide success. The goup was established in the early 1950's at St. Anthony of Padua school in the Bronx. The group constisted of Arlene Smith (lead), Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Jackie

The Chantels were the first black female group to have nationwide success. The goup was established in the early 1950's at St. Anthony of Padua school in the Bronx. The group constisted of Arlene Smith (lead), Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Jackie Landry and Lois Harris. They got their name from a rival school, St. Francis de Chantelle.

They were discovered by Richard Barrett, lead singer of the Valentines and eventually signed to End Records. Their first single was "He's Gone" (Pop #71) in August 1957. In January 1958 they released their second single, "Maybe" (#15 Pop; #2 R&B). Several other singles were released on End, though none as successful as "Maybe".