They were first organized in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1946. The original members of the group were Janet Ertel (1913-November 4, 1988), Carol Bushman (her sister-in-law), Dorothy Schwartz, and Jinny Osborn (or Lockard) (April 25, 1927-May 19, 2003). In 1952, Lynn Evans replaced Schwartz, and in 1953, Margie Needham replaced Osborn (who was having a baby), though Osborn later returned to the group. Nancy Overton also was a member of the group at a later time. Originally they sang folk music in the style of The Weavers, but eventually changed to a harmonizing style of the type known as barbershop harmony. Part of this change seems to be influenced by Osborn's father.
Jinny Osborn was born in Seattle, Washington. She was born Virginia Cole, the daughter of O. H. "King" Cole, who was president of the Barbershop Harmony Society (then known as SPEBSQSA), and Katherine Flack.
After performing locally in Sheboygan, they went on Arthur Godfrey's radio program, Talent Scouts in 1949.They went on to feature status on Godfrey's daily program, and then went on to make a number of recordings for Columbia Records.
In 1953, Godfrey's music director and orchestra leader, Archie Bleyer, founded Cadence Records. He signed a number of Godfrey regulars and former regulars, including the Chordettes, who had a number of hit records for Cadence.
Their biggest hit was Mr. Sandman in 1954. Archie Bleyer himself is on that record along with the group, Bleyer stripping the sound down the better not to clutter the girls' voices. They also hit the top twenty with 1958's "Lollipop," and also charted with a vocal version of the themes from television's Zorro (1959) and the film Never on Sunday (1961). Other hits for the girls included "Eddie My Love," "Born to Be With You," and "Lay Down Your Arms" in 1956 and "Just Between You and Me" in 1957.
Janet Ertel married Bleyer in 1954. Her daughter Jackie married another Cadence recording star, Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers. She died of cancer in 1988.
The Chordettes appeared on American Bandstand August 5, 1957, kicking off the first episode of the show over the ABC Television Network.
In 1961, Jinny Osborn left the group, and they were unable to find a replacement with whom they were happy, leading to a breakup.
The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jinny Osborn (by that time Jinny Janis) died in 2003
Darkness on the Delta
The Chordettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's the time my heart is light
When it′s darkness on the delta
Let me linger in the shelter of the night
Fields of cotton all around me
Darkies singin' sweet and low
Lord i'm lucky that you found me
Where the muddy Mississippi waters flow
List′nin′ to the nightingales way up above
Laughter on the leeve
No one's heart is heavy
All God′s chillun got someone to love
When it's darkness on the delta
Only heaven is in sight
When it′s darkness on the delta
Let me linger in the shelter of the night
Lounging on the leeve
List'nin′ to the nightingales way up above
Laughter on the leeve, 'cause no one's heart is heavy
All God′s chillun got someone to love
When it′s darkness on the delta
Only heaven is in sight
When it's darkness on the delta
Let me linger in the shelter of the night
The lyrics of "Darkness on the Delta" by The Chordettes paint a vivid picture of finding solace and contentment during challenging times. The mention of darkness symbolizes difficult or tumultuous moments in life, but paradoxically, the singer's heart feels light during these periods. This contrast suggests that sometimes, it is in the darkest moments that we find peace and clarity within ourselves.
The setting described in the song is the delta region, known for its cotton fields and the Mississippi River. The image of darkies singing sweet and low amidst the cotton fields conveys a sense of harmony and unity despite the adversity faced by the community. The mention of the muddy Mississippi waters flowing symbolizes the constant motion and evolution of life, where despite challenges, one can still find beauty and grace.
The lyrics also emphasize the sense of community and companionship during dark times. The reference to lounging on the leeve, listening to the nightingales, and laughter in the air implies a shared sense of joy and togetherness. The idea that "All God's chillun got someone to love" speaks to the interconnectedness of humanity and the comforting presence of loved ones, even in times of darkness.
Ultimately, the song conveys a message of hope and resilience in the face of difficulty. The repeated refrain of finding shelter in the night during darkness on the delta suggests a willingness to embrace the challenges and uncertainties of life, knowing that there is always a glimmer of heaven in sight. The longing to linger in the shelter of the night signifies a desire for peace and tranquility, even amidst the darkness, highlighting the power of finding light and solace within oneself and in the company of others.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's darkness on the delta
During times of darkness and despair
That's the time my heart is light
That's when I find peace and solace
Let me linger in the shelter of the night
Allow me to find comfort in the darkness
Fields of cotton all around me
Surrounded by reminders of hard work
Darkies singin' sweet and low
People finding joy in difficult times
Lord i'm lucky that you found me
Grateful for finding solace in God
Where the muddy Mississippi waters flow
In a place of hardship and struggle
Lounging on the leeve
Relaxing by the riverbank
List'nin′ to the nightingales way up above
Listening to the beauty of nature
Laughter on the leeve, 'cause no one's heart is heavy
Finding joy and lightness in difficult times
All God's chillun got someone to love
Everyone has someone to care for them
Only heaven is in sight
Seeking solace in faith
Let me linger in the shelter of the night
Finding comfort in the darkness
Writer(s): Jerry Livingston, Marty Symes, Al J. Neiburg
Contributed by Jordan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@8765432lh
Such tight harmonies. Beautiful!
@welshcorgler1445
Lovely 🎵
@ianboard544
Really nice arrangement.
@dubrd5926
finally found a group that sings the verse but only half of it.
@davidthelefty
Great ending!
@georgeeliot3892
I only know one, the tall lady with the dark hair is Lynn Evans. She was the last of the Chordettes.
@hauntboy
Could someone please name the girls here from left to right.
@imyourdragon
I can ask a friend of mine. She was a member of the chordettes.
@imyourdragon
in no particular order, the girls on the recording are most likely Janet Ertel, Carol Buschmann, Lynn Evans, and Marjorie Needham Latsko. There were 8 members of the quartet between 1948 and 1963. Two of them are still alive as far as I know.
@sammac7175
They are Jinny Osborn (born Virginia Cole), Lynn Evans , Carol Buschmann (Born Carol Hagedorn) and Joyce Creatore (or Joyce Weston)