1960's
The Marvelettes 2. The Shirelles 3. The Crystals 4. The Chiffons
American R&B girl groups date back as far as the 1960s. Throughout their historical existence, the cycle of collaboration to disbanding is a constant theme in many of the biographies of R&B girl groups. The most common reasons for the groups forming and separating were displayed in real-time on Peacock’s SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B. Both groups discuss their reasons and motivations for forming their groups, the great moments experienced touring, performing, and making great memories, and then, of course, there’s the breakup. Sometimes they are able to overcome their differences and reunite and then there are the members who pursue and succeed at successful solo careers.
1970's
Honey Cone 2. Love Unlimited 3. The Emotions 4. The Labelles
It has been inquired whether music groups of any genre are necessary or beneficial since they seem to all undergo this somewhat repetitive cycle of here today and gone tomorrow. I’d argue that it is normal for a group of talented creatives to gather and create art. For some artists, this is critical for their development and others can fly solo from the start. There are benefits to girl groups for both the artist and the audience.
I think there’s a reason a lot of girls in R&B groups were in their teens when they got their big break. Considering marketing the typical youthfulness, beauty, etc. The groups were a vital part of pre-teen and teenage culture. Something that appears to be slowly dying out. Groups typically replicate friend groups and their music discussed issues that teenage listeners and fans related to. If an artist is shy or thrives creatively with other artists this may be best until they gather their rhythm. Not condoning co-dependency, girl groups took their audience on a journey of their maturity to womanhood, friendship, and business. The groups’ development was transparent.
1980's
Sister Sledge 2. The Mary Jane Girls 3. The Weather Girls 4. Seduction
Perhaps we should come to terms with the fact that girl groups will possibly separate at some point. Much like friend groups people grow apart, interests and visions change, and the desires to go in which direction differ. The only thing constant in life is change. I don’t think a group’s longevity or lack thereof in the music industry takes from their impact or creation. Good music is good music and great talent, is.
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