Chanter Sisters

The Chanter Sisters consisted of Irene and Doreen Chanter were two sisters who borth sang together as a duet as well as backing other singers. They released a number of singles from the mid to late 1970's as well as three albums.

Background

The Chanter Sisters, Irene and Doreen, are a duo of backup singers. They began recording with a family group called the Chanters which also included several of their brothers.

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 Singles Chart hit when "Sideshow" (not to be confused with the much bigger hit for Barry Biggs with the same title later the same year) entered the chart in July 1976 reaching number 43.[1]

The sisters have been far more successful in their backup singing career. Their credits include work with Elton John, Long John Baldry, 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 the recording studio, providing backup vocals for Chris Farlowe as recently as 2003.

Doreen also found success as a song-writer, being responsible for "Star", a UK hit in 1982 for Kiki Dee.

Songs recorded

One of the songs they covered was "If Only I Could Start Again". This song released as a single in 1977 had previously been covered by The Drifters[2] and was from their 1975 album There Goes My First Love. It was written by Geoff Stephens and Roger Greenaway.[3]

Recordings

UK 7" singles

USA Singles

Euro singles

Unknown

12" singles

UK 12" albums

Side A: "Cuckoo-Cuckoo", "Darlin'", "Side Show", "Hound Dog", "Band of Gold" / "(Your Love Has L ifted Me) Higher And Higher"
Side B: "Halfway To Paradise", "Turn Rolling Stone", "Blue Jean Days", "All The Young Dudes", "Loving You Is"[8]


Side A: "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'", "Never Thought Falling in Love (could be so wild)", "Dance Dance Dance", "Talking Too Much About My Baby", "When the Lights Go Out"
Side B: "Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss him goodbye)" / "It's Too Late Now"/ "Sunshine Day" / "Nashville"[9]


Side A: "Shoulder To Shoulder", "Oh What A Shame", "I Wanna Get Closer", "I Love You", "Born to Lose"
Side B: "Can't Stop "Dancing", "Cari Blue", "I'll Be There", "I've Got Your Number", "Thanks To You"[10]

References

  1. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 100. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ↑ The Fortunes Roger Cook & Roger Greenaway The Roger Cook & Roger Greenaway Ultimate Discography
  3. ↑ 45 Worlds The Drifters, There Goes My First Love
  4. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters
  5. ↑ 45cat Record Details
  6. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters, The* – Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye) / Danny Disco / When The Lights Go Out
  7. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters, The* – Can't Stop Dancing
  8. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters, The* – First Flight
  9. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters, The* – Ready For Love
  10. ↑ Discogs Chanter Sisters, The* – Shoulder To Shoulder

External links