Look In My Eyes - Chantels

Look In My Eyes - Chantels.

The Chantels (not to be confused with the reggae group The Chantells) were the second African-American girl group to have nationwide success in the United States, preceded by The Bobbettes. The group was established in the early 1950s and attended St. Anthony of Padua school in The Bronx. The original five members consisted of Arlene Smith (lead), Sonia Goring, Rene Minus, Jackie Landry Jackson and Lois Harris. They derived their name from that of a rival school, St. Frances de Chantal.

The Chantels by 1957, then in high school, had been a group for seven years. Unlike some black groups of their time, the quintet was under the influences of classical music and Latin hymns. The lead singer, Arlene Smith, had received classical training and performed at Carnegie Hall at age twelve. Smith provided the group with both lyrics and music. The girls were discovered by Richard Barrett, lead singer of The Valentines and by summer 1957 signed to End Records, owned by George Goldner. Their first single was "He's Gone" (Pop #71) in August 1957, written by Arlene Smith. In January 1958, The Chantels had a hit with their second single, "Maybe" (#15 Billboard Hot 100; #2 R & B chart). "Maybe" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. Following releases were less successful but End did release an album originally titled We Are The Chantels. The original cover had a picture of the group. The album was soon withdrawn and repackaged with a picture of two white teenagers picking out a song; the title was shortend to The Chantels.

The group was dropped by End in 1959, and Arlene Smith decided to embark upon a solo career. Harris left to pursue a college education. That year, Chantels singles led by Richard Barrett were released on the End subsidiary of Gone. In 1960, Annette Smith (no relation) replaced Arlene Smith. Narrowed down to a quartet, the group moved on to Carlton Records where they had their second huge hit with "Look in My Eyes" (#14 pop, #6 R&B). Other releases on Carlton didn't do as well.

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[ButtercupsUniverse]

Thank you for putting this video up today! Literally, I have been looking for it everywhere! (:

[oldies60s2]

Thanks for listening.

[CharlesBarry]

Hi, Thanks for the reply, I also like LOOK IN MY EYES my The Three Degrees best, have you heard The Three Degrees sing Maybe ? it is sung different then The Chantels and very soulfull !

[66serendip]

yeah, just found out there were two versions, like the Chantals', but really love the version by the Three Degrees.

[CharlesBarry]

Hi, When this video starts from 0 to 14 that CD is the one where Annettte dose all the lead, ( no Arlene ) and it's very good ! P.S. I like ( LOOK IN MY EYES ) even better by the Three Degrees, the Chantels & the Three Degrees had the ( SAME PRODUCER ) !

[CharlesBarry]

Hi, no Annette is not with the group any more, today there are three original members and a new lead singer ( can't think of her name ) !

[BOBBY FREE]

yes,i agree ,she does sound very much alike.im sure you see the wedu reunion,is that annette on there.with arlene pbs.

[CharlesBarry]

Hi, I was not trying to correct you, I don't think most people could tell, as I think they sound very much alike !

[BOBBY FREE]

you are correct an my oversite, arlene smith was the original singer with maybe an left in 1959 an anette made this song.got confused with Maybe.thx for correcting me.

[CharlesBarry]

Hi, in 1959 Arlene Smith went solo, The lead singer on ( LOOK IN MY EYES ) is Annette Smith ! no relation to Arlene Smith.

[tdalaska]

I love two things about this song: 1.) The outstanding vocals/harmonies and 2.) "Or darling I'll be gone" - I can't think of another 'girl' group which put the situation in quite the same candid fashion and every time I hear this I laugh out loud. Thanks for posting!

[BOBBY FREE]

arlene smith great lead singer