Year 8, Day 140

Hey guys. Today's song is Chapel Of Love by The Dixie Cups.

Photo by: Albert Herring

The Dixie Cups are an American girl group active since the 60's. It started as a family trio: sisters Barbara Ann and Rosa Lee Hawkins and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson. They had a couple of names besides The Dixie Cups, first supposed to be known as Little Miss and the Muffets and were called The Meltones starting in 1963. Another singer signed on as their manager and got them signed, then in 1964, prior to releasing this song, they changed the name to The Dixie Cups. Fun Fact: this song was actually supposed to be for another group named The Ronettes. They had a couple other hits, then moved to a new label in 1965, but went on a hiatus in 1966. The sisters went on to have modeling careers and also work as makeup artists, but Joan left the group and music all together. The sister toured with a new third member in Beverly Brown, who had done some solo stuff before. Brown was with the group until she got sick in the 80's, then was replaced with Athelgra Neville, who has family also in the music business. The group was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 2007 for their previous works, and has actually released a newer album from 2011 to go along with the ones from 1964 and 1965. While the group is still technically around unfortunately one of the sisters Rosa Lee Hawkins passed away early this year so currently the members include Barbara Ann Hawkins and Athelgra Neville Gabriel. So my condolences to the group and thank you for the music you've given us.

Peace.