Formed in the early 50s, the Paris Sisters trio consisted of Albeth, Priscilla, and Sherrell Paris. Their mother had quit her opera career to raise the three girls as singers, training them around the family piano. Their first break came when another vintage trio, the Andrew Sisters, noticed the sisters dressed identically and mouthing the words to their songs. So the Andrews Sisters put the girls on stage to perform, and they wowed the audience with their rendition of the Andrews Sisters’ “Rum and Coca-Cola.” MCA Records soon had them playing USO shows and fairs along the California coast.
Fast forward to 1961, when the Paris Sisters met Jess Rand, who brought them to Imperial Records to record two unnoticed singles. Lester Sill, the founder of Philles Records, then acquired the sisters’ contract from Rand. He saw a similarity between Priscilla’s voice and Annette Kleinbard of the Teddy Bears and envisioned a new Teddy Bear style. So Spector brought the group to New York and woke them up in the wee hours to rehearse songs. He even took them through Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage.
The Paris Sisters’ music reminds you that you don’t have to shout to sing a beautiful song. A commenter shared this sentiment and compared the sisters’ sound to that of the Fleetwoods. However, one thing is sure: their music is beautiful and memorable, evoking good memories for fans who have been with the group for decades.
The Paris Sisters appeared in the British rock and roll movie Ring-A-Ding Rhythm and toured the U.S. with Dion and the Belmonts, the Marvelettes, and others. In 1964, they recorded a rock-a-ballad version of Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover” that peaked at number ninety-one. However, three albums and five singles in 1966 and 1967 failed, and by the early 70s, the group disbanded.
If you’re a fan of the Paris Sisters or just enjoy good music, I encourage you to watch their 1962 performance. It’s a wonderful piece of history that will surely bring a smile and joy to your heart. Then, share it with your friends and loved ones because good music is meant to be shared.
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