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
For Me and My Gal
The Chordettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The birds are singing for me and my gal.
Ev'rybody's been knowing to a wedding they're going.
And for weeks they've been sewing every Suzie and Sal.
They're congregating for me and my gal.
The parson's waiting for me and my gal.
And sometime I'm gonna build a little home for two for three or four or more
In love land, for me and my gal.
The Chordettes's song For Me and My Gal is a romantic tune about a couple getting married and starting their lives together. The bells are ringing, the birds are singing, and everyone is excited and preparing for the happy occasion. The lyrics suggest that the couple has been engaged for some time, with everyone in the community knowing about it for weeks and eagerly awaiting the wedding.
The singer, who is likely the groom, expresses his commitment to his bride by stating that he will build a little home for two, three or four or more, in love land. This line suggests that he is not only committed to his wife, but also to building a family and a life together.
The upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics of For Me and My Gal make it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. The song's catchy melody and classic sound have ensured that it remains a beloved tune to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
The bells are ringing for me and my gal.
We are being celebrated and there is joy in the air as we embark on a journey of togetherness. Our love is being recognized by everyone around us.
The birds are singing for me and my gal.
Nature is blessing our union and rejoicing with us. The beauty of the world around us is complementing the newly discovered beauty of our love.
Ev'rybody's been knowing to a wedding they're going.
Our union has garnered so much attention that everyone is aware of it and looking forward to being a part of our celebration.
And for weeks they've been sewing every Suzie and Sal.
The preparation for our wedding has been ongoing for weeks and every person in the community has been contributing to make it a success.
They're congregating for me and my gal.
Our wedding has brought people together from all walks of life to celebrate our love and togetherness. There is a sense of community and belonging as we come together for this occasion.
The parson's waiting for me and my gal.
The religious figure is ready to bless our union and to give credence to our commitment to each other.
And sometime I'm gonna build a little home for two for three or four or more
I am committed to building a happy home not just for the two of us but for our future children as well. Our love is strong enough to sustain us for years to come and we will build memories that will last a lifetime.
In love land, for me and my gal.
We are embarking on a journey of love and togetherness that will take us to new heights of happiness and fulfillment. Our relationship will be our refuge and our safe haven against any troubles that may come our way.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: E. Ray Goetz, George W. Meyer, Edgar Leslie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind