Chanter Sisters
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The Chanter Sisters, Irene and Doreen Chanter, are a highly accomplished duo of backup singers. They began recording with a family group called the Chanters which also included several of their brothers. (It has previously been reported that the family act had two UK Top 40 hits, with "Every Night (I Sit and Cry)" reaching number 17 in November of 1966, and "You Can't Fool Me" topping out at number 39 in March of 1967, though this is not the case as the Chanters never had a UK Top 40 hit).
The sisters then went their own way, recording first under the name Birds of a Feather, and then as The Chanter Sisters, and it is under the latter that they enjoyed their only UK hit when"Sideshow" entered the UK singles chart in July 1976 reaching number 43.
The sisters have been far more successful in their backup singing career. Their "stellar credits include work with Elton John, Long John Baldry, Chris Farlowe, Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music, John Miles, The Secret Policeman's Ball, Van Morrison, Roger Waters, Meat Loaf, Joe Cocker and many other famous names." The pair also had uncredited bit parts as schoolgirls in the 1971 schlock horror film, Twins of Evil.
Although the sisters have predominantly worked together, Doreen has had the more extensive musical career, touring without her sister with several of the above named bands. However, the pair continue to work together in studio, providing backup vocals for Chris Farlowe in 2003.
