Black-American girl groups have played a significant role in shaping the sound of music throughout history. From the teeny-bop hits of the late ‘50s and ‘60s, like the Marvelettes’ "Please Mr. Postman," to the deeper, more evocative R&B sound of the late ‘90s with groups like En Vogue—Black women have evolved alongside the transformation of music, and have left their mark on every generation. As Black History Month comes to a close, SCOPE’s content committee has put together a tribute to their favorite Black girl groups through the decades. Read and enjoy!
The Ronettes
Written by Clara Jarecke
Photo Credit: Getty Images
During the holidays, you could be walking through the mall or department store and hear the same consistent Christmas playlist—but did you know that a large majority of these songs are contributed to a band called The Ronettes? Widely regarded as the best female group of the early ‘60s, The Ronettes are composed of two sisters, Veronica and Estelle, with their cousin Nedra Talley. Their discography contains lots of hits—including their Christmas albums—that combine pop, rock ‘n roll, and the blues.
Started in the girl’s hometown of Washington Heights, the trio performed in clubs and lounges across NYC, and eventually started touring with both Murray Kaufman and Clay Cole. During this time, they published singles through Colpix Records before signing with Phil Spector’s label, Warner-Spector, where they released "Be My Baby," their most famous song. Their presence rivaled ‘60s artists like James Brown or Etta James.
Their album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes, was released in 1964, and they continued to feature on Philles' album with various artists, which is where a handful of their Christmas hits stemmed from, such as Sleigh Ride or Frosty the Snowman. The trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
The Supremes
Written by Lucy Prescott
Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection
This all-girls group hailing from Detroit, Michigan paved the way and changed lives in the early 1960’s with their funky grooves and fun beats. The Supremes found stardom after signing with Motown Records in 1961, reaching worldwide success and acquiring many top hits.
The group started out as The Primettes with original members consisting of Florence Ballard, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Betty McGlown, who was later then replaced by Barbara Martin. The trio of Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson with the help from Motown Records team, Brian Holland, Lamon Dozier, and Eddie Holland, finally sought out success after the release of “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” in 1963.
“The girls," as known by the Motown family, played a pivotal role in reshaping the public perception of Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Their styling was a major part of the success of the group. The artists, along with the staff at Motown were predominantly Black, but the styling of the "Motown look" was not restricted to appeal to specific races. The band refused to be constrained by traditional barriers, making them pave the way and draw in a younger audience that had previously disregarded people of color (Victoria and Albert Museum).
The Supremes' fun tunes have continued to be adored by many today. They will always be remembered for playing a pivotal role and being an iconic staple piece in the civil rights movement pertaining to the music industry.
Sister Sledge
Written by Aspen Suthers
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sister Sledge is credited as one of the most well-known and impactful groups of the disco era. Composed of sisters Debbie, Kim, Kathy, and Joni, they quickly found success in the Philadelphia music scene after forming in 1971. They became internationally recognized with their 1979 songs, "We Are Family" and "He’s the Greatest Dancer," with "We Are Family" even being adopted as the 1979 theme song for the Philadelphia Pirates.
With disco’s deep roots in Philadelphia, it was no question that the sisters would find their iconic, high-energy sound. Disco’s origins lie primarily in Philadelphia and New York, emerging in the 1960s and rising to prominence in the 70s. The upbeat dance genre brings people together by fusing elements of soul, funk, gospel and electronic music. Groups like Sister Sledge played an important role in urban nightclub culture, creating greater opportunities for Black performers in the mainstream.
Sister Sledge’s success manifests time and time again on the dance floor, with "We Are Family" remaining essential in soundtracking social gatherings and family events. Their music continuously celebrates the family dynamic and the joy of togetherness. Following Joni’s death in 2017, the group carried on performing in duos and tribute groups to honor her talents. Though Sister Sledge looks different today than in the disco era, its remaining members stay busy with various musical pursuits. Their talents and contributions to Philadelphia R&B and disco will be remembered for decades to come.
SWV
Written by Ida-Marie Bonkafo-Efofa
Photo Credit: Getty Images
From New York City, Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara (Taj) George, and Leanne (Lelee) Lyons—more commonly known as Sisters With Voices (SWV)—had the '90s in a groove with their sultry R&B melodies, deep production, and lush vocals. The group originally formed as a gospel trio but found their signature sound in R&B. It’s About Time, their debut album produced by the "King of New Jack Swing," Teddy Riley, turned them into superstars. With two million copies sold, the album was certified platinum.
For a debut album, It’s About Time made its mark with singles that are remembered as certified classics. "Right Here" reached number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart; "I'm So into You" number two on the Billboard R&B chart and number six on the Billboard Hot 100; and “Weak” reached number one on both the Billboard R&B and Hot 100 charts. They later released “Right Here/Human Nature” which sampled Michael Jackson’s hit of the latter name. In addition, Pharrell Williams added a verse onto the song; and (along with The Neptunes) later produced “Use Your Heart” from their sophomore album, New Beginning. 1997’s Release Some Tension features the hit song “Rain” which samples Jaco Pastorius' classic "Portrait of Tracy.”
The group disbanded in 1998 but has reunited periodically since 2005, celebrating their solo projects and coming together for special performances. Most recently, SWV graced NPR’s Tiny Desk and proved that their harmonies remain as captivating as ever. With a legacy of unforgettable hits, SWV continues to inspire and influence R&B music today.
TLC
Written by Hadley Forsen-Yepes
Photo Credit: Getty Images
“TLC” doubles as an acronym for “tender loving care” and for the members of the R&B girl group from Atlanta, consisting of Tionne “T-boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. At a young age, Iowan T-Boz migrated to Georgia with her family, and in adulthood, Left Eye uprooted her life in Philadelphia to answer Atlanta artist Crystal Jones’s open call for a “tomboy hip-hop trio." This same open call attracted T-Boz to the city and resulted in the formation of the group “2nd Nature.” Under the management of Perri “Pebbles” Reid, they settled on the name TLC. Reid’s lack of faith in founding member Jones’s artistic led to Jones’s departure from the group in 1991 (American Songwriter). Atlanta native and part-time backup dancer Chilli replaced Jones that same year, and because of her “C” name, the “TLC” moniker remained.
The girls signed a record contract with Laface and began recording their first album Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip in 1991 (Black Past). It was released a year later and offered listeners a rich fusion of funk, hip-hop, and R&B, which resulted in its quadruple platinum status. In the wake of their debut album’s release, TLC began developing their iconic image, which Chilli defined as “prissy tomboy." In the early 90s especially, the girls wore baggy, bright clothing, often adorned with condoms to promote safe sex—sometimes Left Eye would even put one over her left eye! In these early years, they would customize their outfits, such as spray-painting shirts or cutting up overalls. “This was back when our budget wasn’t so big, so we had to make it our own way,” T-Boz told W Magazine.
The girls’ budget would get much bigger in the coming years, thanks to their release of three more multi-platinum albums. Most notable is CrazySexyCool, which released in 1994 and to this day is the only album by a female group to have earned a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. TLC also remains the best-selling American girl group in the world and has brought home 56 awards, including five Grammys. As for best-selling girl group globally, they are only second to the Spice Girls.
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes suffered an untimely death on April 25, 2002, after a fatal car crash in Honduras. The remaining members of TLC continue to make music today, and the legacy of Left Eye lives on through the immortalization of her music and her longstanding impact on 90s pop culture. When asked if the “L” in TLC would ever be replaced, Chilli responded to New York Post, “Never. It was just meant to be us."
Destiny's Child
Written by Ellie Jackson
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Destiny’s Child has been one of the most influential girl groups in music history, leaving an undeniable mark on R&B, pop, and adding representation for Black women in the music industry. Originally formed in Houston, Texas, in the early 1990s, the group—most famously consisting of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams—rose to prominence with their strong vocals, harmonies, and contemporary R&B style. Since their debut, Destiny’s Child sold over 60 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
The group was formed when childhood friends Beyoncé and Kelly, along with LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett, formed Girls Tyme in 1990. After years of lineup changes, and a name shift to Destiny’s Child, they were able to secure a record deal and release their debut album in 1998. The album, The Writing’s on the Wall (1999), brought their group to the charts and included the hit songs “Say My Name” and “Bills, Bills, Bills.” Following more member changes, the trio of Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle solidified the legacy of Destiny’s Child with albums like Survivor (2001), which celebrated female empowerment and perseverance.
Through their rise in popularity they dominated charts, won 3 Grammys, 14 billboard music awards, and gained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Billboard). Much of their music promoted messages of self-sufficiency, financial independence, and confidence, qualities that continue to inspire artists today. The group’s success paved the way for more Black female artists to rise in the R&B and pop scene and their influence can be seen in artists like Normani, Chloe x Halle, and Ari Lennox.
Information gathered from:
Black Music Scholar
Black Past
Carnegie Hall
Essence
Grammy
Motown Museum
Philadelphia Music Alliance
Rolling Stone
Victoria and Albert Museum
W Magazine