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
Lollypop
The Chordettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
oh lolli lolli lolli
lollipop lollipop...
Call my baby lollipop
tell you why
his kiss is sweeter than an apple pie
and when he does his shaky rockin' dance
man, i haven't got a chance
lollipop lollipop
oh lolli lolli lolli
lollipop lollipop...
Sweeter than candy on a stick
huckleberry, chimry or lime
if you had a choice
he'd be your pick
but lollipop is mine
Lollipop lollipop
oh lolli lolli lolli
lollipop lollipop...
Crazy way he thrills me
tell you why
just like a lightning from the sky
he loves to kiss me till i can't see straight
gee, my lollipop is great
I call him
lollipop lollipop
oh lolli lolli lolli
lollipop lollipop...
The Chordettes' "Lollipop" is a sweet and simple love song about a girl who adores her boyfriend, who she affectionately refers to as "Lollipop." She explains that his kiss is sweeter than an apple pie and that he is truly the sweetest thing in her life. When he does his shaky rockin' dance, she can't help but be swept off her feet. The song continues to describe just how crazy and head-over-heels in love she is with her Lollipop, and how he thrills her just like a lightning from the sky. She loves the way he kisses her until she can't see straight, and how he makes her feel every time they are together.
Line by Line Meaning
Lollipop lollipop oh lolli lolli lolli lollipop lollipop...
The singer is excited about lollipops and keeps repeating their name over and over.
Call my baby lollipop tell you why his kiss is sweeter than an apple pie and when he does his shaky rockin' dance man, i haven't got a chance I call him lollipop lollipop oh lolli lolli lolli lollipop lollipop...
The singer is in love with someone they call 'lollipop' because they are a great kisser and dancer, and the singer can't resist them.
Sweeter than candy on a stick huckleberry, chimry or lime if you had a choice he'd be your pick but lollipop is mine Lollipop lollipop oh lolli lolli lolli lollipop lollipop...
The singer thinks that 'lollipop' is the sweetest thing in the world and if anyone else had a chance to be with them, they would choose 'lollipop', but the singer considers them to be theirs exclusively.
Crazy way he thrills me tell you why just like a lightning from the sky he loves to kiss me till i can't see straight gee, my lollipop is great I call him lollipop lollipop oh lolli lolli lolli lollipop lollipop...
The singer is overwhelmed by the excitement and joy that 'lollipop' brings them. They compare the feeling to a sudden bolt of lightning and praise 'lollipop' for their amazing kissing skills.
Writer(s): J. Dixon, B. Ross Copyright: Edward B Marks Music Company
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Noah Kilborn
A message to the future generations. Don’t let this song die.
Valmyfav
I’m here you did a great job!
J Sanvictores
GTV Testcard Music Barangay LS 97.1 (DWLS-FM)
shadows soul
Aye aye captain
Moey Pubg
ong
alcoholic hamster
it will never
Boss Stingray
These ladies were such a magical group. I hope their music lasts for generations more.
AlexaPlayzz
Smile :)
NicolasPlayGamer
she will last yes
Suzette Kath
One way is to play the song every so often.