1959 - School Bells, Wedding Bells / Chihuahua Cha Cha (Bingo 104)
Leon Smith & The Ponsonby Sisters
1959 - Once I Had A Heart / Little Forty Ford (Leon Smith) (Willamette 101)
Biography :
This
group of five sisters from Azalea, started singing since 1955. The
Sisters are Shella 8, Sharon 20, Patty 16, Donna 17 and Maureen 18. They
have appeared at various county celebrations and win some Talent
Contest. Other successes included winning third place on a pacific
states talent show held in Portland's Paramount theatre in which 60
musical groups vied for the opportunity to appear on the Patty Page Show
in New York City.
Shella in front and from left to right : Sharon , Patty , Donna and Maureen
The group has received some national recognition because of their
appearance in March 1959 on The Lawrence Welk television program. They
were special guest stars "The Ponsonby Sisters" of Azalea, Oregon. They
did two numbers, "Mommy" and "No Other Arms". Thus far, the group has
cut one record, "School Bells, Wedding Bells" and "Chihuahua Cha Cha" on
the Bingo Label as the Ponsi Sisters.
Bingo Records was owned by Los Angeles DJ and TV personality Jim
Specs Hawthorne. During 1959 and 1960 it produced at least seven 45rpm
records featuring acts like Bing Crosby soundalike Troy Cori or the
Ponsi sisters.
Leon Smith
In 1959, The Ponsonby Sisters backed Leon Smith on "Once I Had A
Heart" for Willamette Records Owned by Leon Smith' Father. In 1960, they
have signed a contract to record for Capitol, Unfortunately, nothing
will be released and the success fades gradually.
