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Chantels Co-Founder Arlene Smith Dies at 84
30 Jul
Summary
- Co-founder of The Chantels, Arlene Smith, has died at age 84.
- Smith wrote and sang lead vocals on the group's signature hit "Maybe."
- She reformed The Chantels in 1973 with new members.
Arlene Smith, a pivotal figure in music history as a co-founder and lead singer of The Chantels, has died at the age of 84. She passed away on Wednesday, July 29, in New York City due to natural causes.
Smith's musical talents first blossomed in choir at St. Anthony of Padua school in the Bronx. There, she met future Chantels members, and the group signed their first record deal in 1957. Later that year, Smith penned "He's Gone," their debut single.
In December 1957, The Chantels released "Maybe," their signature song, featuring Smith's lead vocals. Recorded in midtown Manhattan, the ballad achieved significant success, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over a million copies. It was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Smith's unique contributions, including her songwriting and vocal style, set The Chantels apart. She later pursued a solo career and attended the Juilliard School. By 1973, she had reformed The Chantels with new vocalists, and the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Beyond her music career, Smith also became a teacher in the Bronx. She and The Chantels were featured in the 1999 PBS special "Doo Wop 50." Her dedication to preserving the group's legacy was evident when she honored Jackie Landry Jackson, who passed away in 1997, during a performance.
