The Shirelles

USA, 1957–1982

New Jersey group whose 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' (1960) was the first US number one by a Black girl group, combining doo-wop harmony with Brill Building songwriting.

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

Who influenced The Shirelles?

• The Chantels — The Chantels' pioneering girl-group sound was the direct model the Shirelles built the genre on.
• Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers — The teen doo-wop of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers was part of the vocal-harmony tradition the Shirelles grew out of.

Which artists did The Shirelles influence?

• Martha and the Vandellas — The Shirelles' pioneering girl-group sound was the tradition Martha and the Vandellas carried into a harder-driving Motown R&B.
• Dusty Springfield — The Springfields were steeped in the Shirelles and the Exciters — American girl-group R&B that pushed Dusty toward blue-eyed soul.