Rosetta Hightower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosetta Hightower
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| Birth name | Rosetta Jeanette Hightower |
| Also known as | Rosetta Hightower Green |
| Born | 23 June 1944 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | 2 August 2014 (aged 70) Clapham, London, England |
| Genres | R&B, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated acts | The Orlons |
Rosetta Jeanette Hightower (June 23, 1944 – August 2, 2014) was an American singer. She was best known as the lead singer of The Orlons, a popular girl group from the 1960s. Rosetta was born in Philadelphia, USA.
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The Orlons: A Famous Girl Group
As the lead singer of The Orlons, Rosetta helped the group record many successful songs. Between 1962 and 1964, they had several hits that reached the Top 10 in the U.S. These included "The Wah-Watusi", "Don't Hang Up", and "South Street".
Early Success and Backup Vocals
In early 1962, The Orlons sang backup for Dee Dee Sharp's hit song "Mashed Potato Time". This song became very popular. Soon after, The Orlons released their own song, "The Wah-Watusi". In July 1962, it climbed to the No. 2 spot on the Billboard music charts.
Around the same time, they also sang backup for Dee Dee Sharp's second hit, "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)". The Orlons' next song, "Don't Hang Up", was also a big success. It reached No. 4 on the pop charts in late 1962.
Major Performances and More Hits
The Orlons' first big show was at the famous Apollo Theatre in New York. They performed alongside other popular groups like The Crystals. In 1963, they continued their success with songs like "South Street", which reached No. 3 on the pop charts. Another hit that year was "Crossfire".
Rosetta's Solo Career
In the late 1960s, Rosetta Hightower decided to leave The Orlons. She wanted to start her own solo singing career in the United Kingdom. She became a popular session singer, which means she sang backup for many other artists' hit songs. She worked with famous singers like Joe Cocker on his album With a Little Help From My Friends.
Moving to England
Rosetta moved to England permanently in 1970. There, she married a musician and producer named Ian Green. She also represented the U.S. in the first international singing contest ever held in Belgium. Rosetta released many singles and at least two albums of her own music. In 1971, she was a backup singer for John Lennon's song "Power to the People".
Death
Rosetta Hightower Green passed away in Clapham, London, on August 2, 2014. She was 70 years old.
