The Chordettes were a female popular singing quartet, usually singing a cap… Read Full Bio ↴The Chordettes were a female popular singing quartet, usually singing a cappella, and specializing in traditional pop music.

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

Born to Be With You Pt. 1
The Chordettes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

By your side, satisfied
Through and through
Cause I was born to be with you

Humming first verse

Wondrously, love can see
So I knew that I was born to be with you

Humming and whistling last verse

Do I find
Peace of mind
Yes I do
Cause I was born to be with you

All life through
Yes, I was born to be with you

Overall Meaning

The Chordettes' song Born to Be With You Part 1 is a love song expressing the deep love and satisfaction the singer feels being with their partner. The chorus repeats the phrase "born to be with you," emphasizing the idea that the two were meant to be together from the start. The singer sings about the peace of mind and contentment they feel being by their partner's side, suggesting that their love is strong and enduring. The song suggests that love is a wondrous thing that can bring two people together and keep them together through all of life's ups and downs. The humming and whistling in the final verse give the song a dreamlike quality, as if the singer is lost in the joy of being in love.

Overall, Born to Be With You Part 1 is a romantic and nostalgic song that celebrates the power of love. The lyrics are simple yet heartfelt, expressing a deep emotional connection between two people who were meant to be together. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a classic love song that has stood the test of time.

Line by Line Meaning

By your side, satisfied
My contentment lies in being with you

Through and through
Every part of me belongs to you

Cause I was born to be with you
Destiny brought us together

Humming first verse
Instrumental transition without lyrics

Wondrously, love can see
Love can do amazing things to bring us closer

So I knew that I was born to be with you
I couldn't resist our undeniable connection

Humming and whistling last verse
Instrumental outro without lyrics

Do I find
Am I able to discover

Peace of mind
Serenity within my soul

Yes I do
My heart is at ease when I'm with you

Cause I was born to be with you
My purpose in life is to be with you