Artist:The McGuire SistersSong:Sugartime
Album:Greatest Hits
Though forgotten today, The McGuire Sisters and their harmonies evoke the innocence of the 50s. In 1958, Sugartime was one of their two number one hits. Their squeaky clean image made them a symbol for pop music as opposed to rock & roll. Christine, Dorothy & Phyllis McGuire grew up in Middletown, OH. Their mom was a minister and they grew up singing in church. They were only allowed to sing hymns. They expanded to secular songs when they went on a 1949 tour of military bases when they were spotted by local bandleader Karl Taylor and he got them appearances on a Dayton radio station. They went to New York to appear on the popular radio show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. But Godfrey was away and they encountered Kate Smith's manager who booked them on her radio show. This led to an audition at Decca Records and producer Gordon Jenkins and A & R director Milt Gabler signed them to a record deal. They were assigned to producer Bob Thiele. They also became regulars on Godfrey's radio and TV shows. It's hard to comprehend today how popular his show was back then. Their early recordings were covers of R & B hits like Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight (The Spaniels), It May Sound Silly (Ivory Joe Hunter) and their chart topping cover of The Moonglows hit Sincerely. This led to accusations that The McGuire Sisters were bastardizing black music with soulless covers. They weren't the only ones to cover R & B songs and they sure weren't the worst to do it. So I don't know why they were singled out. The McGuire Sisters then recorded an album of songs from the 30s. They continued to chart but had their biggest success with the 1958 number one hit Sugartime. Sugartime was written by Texas country singer Charlie Phillips. Though Phillips had minor success as a singer, he would become a successful radio station owner later. Phillips recorded at Norman Petty's studio in New Mexico and Thiele was there working with Buddy Holly. Thiele heard Sugartime and thought it would be great for The McGuire Sisters. The girls faded at this point. This budget comp is the only McGuire Sisters comp currently available. Phyllis McGuire attempted a solo career in the 60s. But the girls retired in 1968 though they have reunited occasionally. The McGuire Sisters are memorable for recalling a more innocent time and their harmonies are outstanding. Here are The McGuire Sisters with Perry Como performing Sugartime on The Perry Como Show 1958.
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