Originally organized in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1946,
the Chordettes were introduced to the nation by Arthur Godfrey’s
radio program where they became regulars for four years
starting in 1949.

The original members were Janet Ertel, Carol Bushman, Dorothy
Schwartz and Jinny Osborn. In 1952Lynn Evans replaced Schwartz
and in 1953 Margie Needham replaced Osburn who took time off for
having a baby, but would return to the group. Nancy Overton was
also a member of the group at a later time.

Signed by Cadence Records, in 1954, the Chordettes landed on the 
Hit Parade with their biggest hit, “Mr. Sandman”, where it would be
#1 for seven weeks. They returned in 1956 with “Eddie My Love” and 
a top five hit, “Born To Be With You” in 1956. A year later, 
“Just Between You and Me” reached the top ten and in 1958
“Lollipop” peaked at #2 on the Billboard chart.

With other hits, “Lay Down Your Arms”, “No Other Arms”
“Never On Sunday”, and a version of the theme song from the TV
series “Zorro”, the Chordettes became a major nightclub attraction,
appearing on numerous radio and television shows including
Ed Sullivan. The Chordettes appeared on American Bandstand on
August 5, 1957, the very first episode of the show nationally.