The Flirts

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The Flirts
Origin United States
Genres Hi-NRG, synthpop, new wave
Years active 1980–present
Labels "O" Records, Rams Horn Records, Sony Music Entertainment

The Flirts, a Menudo-like trio created and masterminded by Hi-NRG mogul Bobby "O" Orlando, are composed of one blonde, one brunette, and one redhead. They are best known for Hi-NRG songs such as "Passion", "Danger", "Helpless" and "Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime)".

Concept and first chart success

Orlando conceived the idea for The Flirts, wrote the songs, played the instruments, and produced the tracks. He then auditioned girls to be the faces of the group. Orlando often called in the services of professional session singers to sing the vocals for the tracks because most of the performers were trained as dancers, models or actresses. The Flirts went through numerous lineup changes and with every album release and tour, some girls left while others stayed. The Flirts released six studio albums from 1982–1992 and numerous singles. They made several international tours, often in the club circuit, and usually lip-synced alongside the recordings.

Debut single "Jukebox" received significant airplay on MTV in the early 1980s. The song rose to number 28 on the Billboard US Dance Chart. The follow-up single "Passion" peaked the same year at number 21, and became a huge success in Europe, reaching number 22 in the Netherlands[1] and number 4 in Germany.[2]

"Helpless (You Took My Love)" peaked at number 12 on the Billboard US Dance Chart, and reached number 13 on the German Top 75. The Flirts were featured in the German feature film Feel the Motion.[3]

In 1985, "You and Me",[4] which Orlando co-wrote with influential hip hop producer Clifton "Jiggs" Chase, topped the US Dance Charts.

Their songs continue to receive radio airplay and are included in various CD compilations. Most recently, The Flirts were featured in two releases from the Disco Discharge CD series.

Band members

  • Bobby Orlando
  • Andrea
  • Hope
  • Holly
  • Sandy
  • Rebecca
  • Pamela
  • Linda Jo
  • Elizabeth
  • Tricia
  • Christina
  • Geri
  • Debra
  • Christie

Plus many session singers who sang lead and background vocals on tracks that were released under the name The Flirts.

Discography

Albums

  • 1982: 10¢ a Dance (renamed as Passion in the Netherlands)
  • 1983: Born to Flirt
  • 1984: Made in America
  • 1985: Blondes Brunettes & Redheads
  • 1986: Questions of the Heart
  • 1992: Take A Chance On Me

Greatest hits albums

  • 1983: Flirt With The Flirts (Netherlands release only)
  • 1991: The Best Of The Flirts
  • 1993: Greatest Hits
  • 1996: Passion - The Best Of
  • 2001: Physical Attraction

Singles

  • 1982: "Jukebox (Don't Put Another Dime)"/"Boy Crazy" (US Dance #28)
  • 1982: "Passion" (Belgium #36, Germany #4, Netherlands #22, Switzerland #4, US Dance #21)
  • 1983: "Calling All Boys" (Germany #57)
  • 1983: "Danger" (Switzerland #30)
  • 1983: "On The Beach"
  • 1984: "Helpless (You Took My Love)" (Germany #13, Switzerland #15, US Dance #12)
  • 1985: "Dancing Madly Backwards" (Germany #46, US Dance #47)
  • 1985: "You & Me" (US Dance #1)
  • 1986: "Miss You" (US Dance #15)
  • 1986: "New Toy" (US Dance #5)
  • 1986: "All You Ever Think About Is (Sex)"
  • 1988: "A Thing Called Love"

Featured tracks on compilations

  • "Danger" - Disco Discharge: Pink Pounders (2010)
  • "Passion" - Disco Discharge: Gay Disco & Hi-NRG (2009)
  • "Passion" - Grand 12 Inches 4 (2007, Sony)
  • "Helpless (You Took My Love)" - I Love Bobby O (2006)
  • "Passion" - Back To Mine: Pet Shop Boys (2005)
  • "Passion" - I Love Disco Energy (2003)


See also

References

  1. ↑ Dutch Top 40
  2. ↑ German charts
  3. ↑ 'Feel the Motion' on IMDb
  4. ↑ US Chart Singles Discography


External links

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