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
Teen Age Goodnight
The Chordettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Goodnight, goodnight
Our school dance is over
They're dimming the lights
Let me hold you close
Just for a moment
And whisper a teenage goodnight
My darling, my dearest
To love you is right
Kiss me now to prove
That I'm not dreaming
Goodnight, goodnight
Let me hold you close
Just for a moment
And whisper a teenage goodnight
My darling, my dearest
To love you is right
Kiss me now to prove
That I'm not dreaming
This wonderful teenage goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight
The Chordettes' song Teen Age Goodnight is a beautiful ode to the innocence and sweetness of teenage love. The song describes the end of a high school dance, and the desire of the lovers to hold each other close and whisper a teenage good night before they part ways. The lyrics express the pure intention and genuine love between two young hearts, which is seen in the singer's reassurance for their partner to "kiss me now to prove that I'm not dreaming," emphasizing the significance of the moment for both. The singer recognizes the significance of the moment, affirming the rightness of love in their young hearts.
The tone of the song is nostalgic, bittersweet, and romantic, encompassing the feeling of being in love at a tender age. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced the joys and sorrows of teenage love. The Chordettes' sweet harmonies and melody with the accompaniment of a traditional doo-wop lead vocal encapsulate the essence of the nostalgia that the song conveys.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodnight, goodnight
Repeating the phrase 'goodnight' to signify the end of a school dance and a sweet farewell between two teenagers.
Our school dance is over
The school dance has ended and it is time to say goodbye.
They're dimming the lights
The lights are being turned off symbolizing the end of the dance and the need to leave.
Let me hold you close
As a way of saying goodbye, one of the teenagers asks to hold the other to cherish the moment for just a little bit longer.
Just for a moment
This request is done to create a moment of intimacy just as the dance comes to an end.
And whisper a teenage goodnight
To add to the intimacy of the moment, one of the teenagers asks to whisper a teenage goodnight.
My darling, my dearest
One of the teenagers expresses a term of endearment towards the other.
To love you is right
One of the teenagers expresses that the love between the two of them is validated and proper.
Kiss me now to prove
To enhance their intimacy and to further validate their love, one of the teenagers requests a kiss.
That I'm not dreaming
One of the teenagers hopes to be reassured that this moment is real and not just a dream.
This wonderful teenage goodnight
As a result of the intimacy shared between the two teenagers, they end the night with an unforgettable memory of a wonderful teenage goodnight.
Goodnight, goodnight
Repeating the phrase 'goodnight' again to signify the end of the intimate moment and the need to say goodbye.
Contributed by Aubrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@darrylcpreston4043
The smoothest song of 1956.
As successful as they were, The Chordettes deserved even greater respect for their beautiful melodies, than they received.
@davesoucy1086
When listening to this record, it almost makes you feel like you could just float away back to 1956. It seems like you are there.
@patrickryan1515
Reminds me of my mom as this song always sent her to a place she seemed to have cherished the rest of her life.
@r.m.s.5118
This needs more likes👍👍👍
@ChordettesFan325
The likes are misleading; there’s another video of this song with much more views and likes.
@louishubbard8036
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