The Chantels

USA, 1957–1961

American girl group from the Bronx, formed in 1956. Arlene Smith's church-trained lead on 'Maybe' (1958) set a gospel-derived model for the girl groups that followed.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced The Chantels and 2 artists The Chantels influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Chantels?

• Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers — The Chantels emerged directly from the teen vocal-group boom Frankie Lymon started — they shared manager Richard Barrett, who modelled them on the Teenagers' success.

Which artists did The Chantels influence?

• The Shangri-Las — The Shangri-Las built on the emotional girl-group template the Chantels founded — gospel-rooted teen drama sung straight from the heart.
• The Shirelles — The Chantels' pioneering girl-group sound was the direct model the Shirelles built the genre on.