Starter List: The Flirtations

'60s Girl Group Goodness

If we all liked the same thing the world would be a very boring place.

Yet, I’m still flabbergasted and bamfoozled when I see social media shares dissing an entire genre of music.

Like disco. Okay, maybe the Bee Gees weren’t your thing. But are you REALLY going to act like Donna Summer isn’t a music icon? Not on my watch!

Disco paved the way for bands like Blondie, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode. Yeah, I’m going there.

It’s absolutely fine to have and share your personal opinions about music. You don’t have to like what I like for us to be friends. But can we stop it with the blanket statements dissing entire musical movements, genres, and even decades? Please!

I love ‘60s girl groups. LOVE them. The Supremes, the Chiffons, Martha and the Vandellas, etc. Can’t get enough. Today’s starter list showcases an incredibly prolific, but lesser known, girl group. The Flirtations.

Originally known as The Gypsies, Lestine Johnson and the Pearce sisters, Ernestine, Shirley, and Betty became the Flirtations in 1964. Hailing from New York City, the foursome had a hard time getting radio play, causing Betty Pearce to leave the group.

After the trio won a contest to see who could sound the most like The Supremes, they moved to London where they finally achieved some success on the charts.

In late 1968 they put out their signature song, the one that’s most recognized, “Nothing But A Heartache.” But they never gained the popularity of the many girl groups listed above. Which is sad. Because they’re one of my favorites.

Let me know what you think of the Flirtations. Are you a ‘60s girl group fan?

On Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/starter-list-the-flirtations/pl.u-d2b00ljILz1r8No