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
Sentimental Journey
The Chordettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna set my heart at ease
Gonna make a sentimental journey
To renew old memories
Got my bag, got my reservation
Spent each dime I could afford
Like a child in wild anticipation
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
Countin' every mile of railroad track
That takes me back
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
Why did I decide to roam?
Gotta take that sentimental journey
Sentimental journey home
Sentimental journey!
The song Sentimental Journey by The Chordettes is a classic song about nostalgia and the desire to return to past memories. The lyrics depict the singer’s eagerness to embark on a journey back to her old memories and experiences. The singer packs her bags and makes a reservation, ready to set off on a sentimental journey to renew her old memories. The lyrics are filled with child-like anticipation, and the singer is eagerly counting down the hours until her departure, singing "Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven". This eagerness and enthusiasm are evident in the lyrics as the singer is longing to hear the train conductor announce "All aboard".
As the journey progresses, the singer reflects on the past and wonders why she ever left. She expresses her yearning to be back home and to relive those sentimental memories. The lyrics, "Never thought my heart could be so yearny, why did I decide to roam?", perfectly capture the sense of longing and desire that the singer feels.
Overall, Sentimental Journey is a beautiful song that speaks to everyone's desire to return to past memories and experiences. It captures the bittersweet feelings of nostalgia, and the lyrics are relatable to anyone who has ever missed someone or something from their past.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna take a sentimental journey
I am going to embark on a journey down memory lane.
Gonna set my heart at ease
I intend to allow myself to relax emotionally during this trip.
Gonna make a sentimental journey
I am going to revisit meaningful moments from my past.
To renew old memories
I desire to refresh and revisit memories that I have cherished from the past.
Got my bag, got my reservation
I have my luggage ready and my booking is confirmed.
Spent each dime I could afford
I have spent all the money I could to ensure everything is in order.
Like a child in wild anticipation
I am feeling excited like a child waiting for an adventure.
Long to hear that "All aboard"
I am eager to hear the announcement for the train's departure.
Seven, that's the time we leave, at seven
The train departs at seven in the evening.
I'll be waitin' up for heaven
I will remain awake until the train leaves.
Countin' every mile of railroad track
I will keep track of every mile on the train ride.
That takes me back
That helps me to remember my past experiences.
Never thought my heart could be so yearny
I did not realize how much I missed the past until now.
Why did I decide to roam?
I question why I ever left the past behind.
Gotta take that sentimental journey
I must take this emotional trip for my own wellbeing.
Sentimental journey!
This trip holds a special place in my heart.
Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.