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The Tonettes

Female soul trio from Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Please do not confuse with the late 50's white female trio [a=The Tonettes (2)] from New York, the U.K. late 50's trio [a=The Tonettes (3)], the San Antonio, Texas soul group [a=The Tonettes (4)] or the jamaican ska girl group [a=The Tonetts] Consisted of [a=Mary Hunt], Shirley Thomas and Mildred Pratchett. They released two singles at [l=Volt] (although they had recorded more material), the first act to release a record in the [l=Volt] catalogue in early 1962. Later, the trio was re-named [a=The Dixiebelles] and started recording for Nashville label [l=Sound Stage 7] who needed a "black female group" to record and promote live, a studio-created Hot 100 hit called [url=http://www.discogs.com/DixiebellesWith-Cornbread-And-Jerry-Down-At-Papa-Joes-Rock-Rock-Rock/release/2252041]"(Down At) Papa Joe's"[/url],the original song having been sung by members of the very white [url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/341656-Anita-Kerr-Singers-The]Anita Kerr Singers[/url]. The girls decided to go their separate ways, Shirley Thomas left the group whilst [a=Mary Hunt] and Mildred Pratcher with new members [a=Eula Jean Rivers] and [a=Barbara McCoy] they began recording as [a=The Charmels], back at [l=Stax] roster, under the aegis of [a=Isaac Hayes].