1964 - You're Losing Your Touch / Jive Jimmy (Warner Bros. 5476)
Lorraine & The Socialites (2)
1963 - The Conqueror / Any Old Way (Mercury 72163)
Biography :
The
Socialites were from Grace Dodge High School in the Bronx and formed
around 1960. The group consisted of Lorraine Anthanio, Eloise Covington,
Gloria Meggett, Delores Rainey Kym Trant. Anthanio, Trant and Covington
had previously attended Junior High School 40 together where they had
become friends while singing in the glee club.
1962, Joe De Angelis (Manager), Lorraine Anthanio, Delores Rainey, "Kym" Trant, Eloise Covington & Gloria Meggett
Upon entering high school they again entered the glee club. Later
Meggett and Rainey joined with the girls to form the Socialites. Singing
the popular songs of the day. One day the girls sing at the schools
weekly assembly. Just sophomores or juniors the girls were to sing for
the seniors assembly where they did "Down the Aisle of Love."
The Socialites with Sunny & the Horizons at Alan Fredericks Show in 1962
After this the group began performing more and more, not only at
school, but as part of a youth organization tour too. Appearing at
record hops and summer concerts the group would perform at three and
four events daily. At the suggestion of a classmate that occasionally
played piano for the group they went to see Joe Simmons. Simmons was a
songwriter and producer that was associate with Arrawak Records a local
Bronx label.
Securing an audition, they journeyed to Manhattan where they sang
"Jimmy" and "The click", both written by Lorraine, for Simmons.
Thoroughly impressed, Simmons recorded the songs and they were released
in 1962. While at 1650 Broadway (the Brill Building) they met Brooklyn
songwriter Joe De Anglis who became the group's manager. De Angilis
proved to be a fair and earnest business man making sure the Socialites
got paid and that people didn't bother them. In the meantime "jimmy" was
receiving local airplay and the Socialites were busy playing locally.
1965, At the World’s Fair, Queen, New York. Eloise, Sandra, Gloria & Lorraine
In 1963 the group moved to Mercury Records. Re-named Lorraine and the
Socialites the recorded "The Conqueror." The was popular in New York
and the group continued making appearances around New York. Kym who was
married and in nursing school found the demands on her time to be to
great and left the group. The last Socialite single was "You're Losing
Your Touch" for Warner Brothers in 1964. Continuing to make live
appearances in 1964 and 1965. By this time Delores had left and been
replaced by Sandra Durant. They also appeared at the New York World's
Fair.
John Clemente (Girl Groups: Fabulous Females That Rocked the World)
