As the year 1958 dawns, the nation finds itself under the leadership of President Eisenhower, while the heartbeat of rock-and-roll begins to resonate across the airwaves. Yet amidst this evolving musical landscape, the Chordettes, four harmonizing talents hailing from Sheboygan, namely Janet, Alice, Lynn, and Jinny, captivate audiences with their angelic voices and timeless renditions of classics such as “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop”.
Comparable to a modern-day barbershop quartet, the Chordettes showcase their vocal prowess in a mesmerizing live TV performance. Witnessing each “bum-bum-bum” effortlessly delivered by individual members leaves audiences spellbound, wondering at the seamless harmony they achieve.
Clad in elegant gowns that harken back to a bygone era, these ladies exude a sense of refined grace, even as the lyrics of their songs hint at a more playful side, beckoning Mr. Sandman to deliver them a dashing companion.
In a delightful twist exclusive to this performance, Mr. Sandman himself makes a cameo appearance onscreen, charming viewers with his youthful allure. It’s a moment that elicits both laughter and admiration for the iconic tune.
Did you know that Janet, one of the group’s vocalists, saw her daughter enter into matrimony with Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers? It’s a union that seems destined, given the musical pedigree of both families. Furthermore, the Chordettes made history by gracing the inaugural nationally broadcast episode of American Bandstand, cementing their legacy in the annals of American music.
Despite their widespread acclaim, the Chordettes weren’t the first to lend their voices to “Mr. Sandman”. That honor belongs to Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra, who recorded the song in 1954. However, it was the Chordettes’ rendition later that year that truly captured the hearts of listeners.
Reflecting on the performance, one viewer nostalgically remarked: “No profanity, no gimmicks, just pure talent”. Another shared fond memories of their grandmother serenading them with songs from the ’50s, underscoring the enduring appeal of this era and its music.