The Dixie Cups
- Members
- Barbara Ann Hawkins (November 23, 1943, New Orleans, Louisiana – January 11, 2022), Rosa Lee Hawkins (March 23, 1945, New Orleans, Louisiana – January 11, 2022), Joan Marie Johnson (January 15, 1945, New Orleans, Louisiana – October 3, 2016), Melba Marie Mcmurray (replaced Joan Johnson)
- Nationality
- American
- Profession(s)
- Singers, Vocal Group
Early Life and Formation
The Dixie Cups, originally known as the Meltones, were formed in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group consisted of Barbara Ann Hawkins, her sister Rosa Lee Hawkins, and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson. They began singing together in school and local talent shows.
Career and Major Achievements
- Discovered by Joe Jones in 1963.
- Signed to Red Bird Records, co-owned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
- Their debut single, "Chapel of Love" (1964), reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- "Chapel of Love" was a million-selling single and became their signature song.
- Other notable hits included "People Say" (1964) and "Iko Iko" (1965).
- The group toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally.
- Joan Marie Johnson departed in 1965 and was replaced by Melba Marie Mcmurray.
- The group continued to perform and record into the 1970s.
Notable Works
| Song Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Chapel of Love | 1964 | Chapel of Love |
| People Say | 1964 | Chapel of Love |
| Iko Iko | 1965 | Iko Iko |
Legacy and Impact
As this concise dixie cups band biography outlines, The Dixie Cups are remembered for their infectious blend of New Orleans R&B and girl-group harmonies. Their hit "Chapel of Love" remains a classic of the era and has been covered by numerous artists. They significantly contributed to the girl group sound of the 1960s.