The Lovelites

The Lovelites
Also known as Patti Hamilton & The Lovelites
Origin Chicago, Illinois
Genres R&B, soul
Years active 1967–1973
Past members Patti Hamilton
Rozena Petty
Barbara Peterman
Ardell McDaniel
Joni Berlman
Rhonda Grayson

The Lovelites were an American vocal group, based in Chicago, originally composed of the sisters Patti Hamilton and Rozena Petty plus their friend, Barbara Peterman. In 1967, the trio recorded for the local Chicago record label, Bandera Records. In 1968, Peterman left the group, and was replaced by Ardell McDaniel.

One year after the change in lineup, the single, "How Can I Tell My Mom And Dad (That I've Been Bad)" was released on Lock Records. The tune, written by lead vocalist Patti Hamilton and record producer Clarence Johnson, tells of a teen, abandoned by her boyfriend, who imagines horrible repercussions when she tells her parents what's happened; the subject, teen pregnancy, was then still largely taboo on radio airwaves, and the single went on to sell 55,000 copies locally and 400,000 nationally, peaking at #15 on Billboard's soul chart, and landing the group a recording contract with the MCA-owned, Uni Records. By this time, the group had also undergone yet another personnel change, as Joni Berlman stepped in for Rozena Petty.

The girls continued working with Johnson as well another producer, Johnny Cameron, and went on to release their only album, With Love From The Lovelites. The album was not as well received as the group's previous single and subsequently flopped. Decades later, it is revered as one of the classic soul albums to come out of the Windy City, producing such standout singles as "Oh My Love" and "This Love Is Real."

After leaving Uni in 1970, Johnson started up the Lovelite imprint, and the group immediately hit with "My Conscience," which reportedly sold 70,000 in Chicago and 400,000 nationwide. The group released a handful more singles on the label, and then in 1971, Rhonda Grayson replaced Ardell McDaniel.

By 1972, the girls had signed to Cotillion Records, where they released two singles billed as Patti & The Lovelites. By 1973, the group had disbanded.

Discography

Singles

Albums

References

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