The Raelettes facts for kids

The Raelettes were a famous American girl group. They started in 1958 to sing backup for the amazing musician Ray Charles. Before becoming the Raelettes, they were part of another group called The Cookies. From 1966 to 1973, the Raelettes also recorded their own songs. Ray Charles helped produce these songs on Tangerine Records.

The Raelettes' Journey

The Raelettes were officially formed in 1958. Ray Charles brought together singers from the group The Cookies. In August 1956, Charles first worked with The Cookies in New York City. They recorded songs like "Lonely Avenue" and "I Want To Know." The Cookies at that time included Margie Hendrix, Dorothy Jones, and Darlene McCrea.

The first official Raelettes lineup had Darlene McCrea, Margie Hendricks, Patricia Lyles, and Gwendolyn Berry. The Raelettes were a very important part of Ray Charles's music. They sang backup on many of his big hits. These hits included "Night Time Is the Right Time" (1958) and "What'd I Say" (1959). They also sang on "Hit the Road Jack" (1961).

In the early years, Margie Hendrix was a very important Raelette. Ray Charles thought she was an incredible singer. The group usually had four or five singers. Many talented singers were part of the Raelettes over the years. Some famous members included Minnie Riperton, Merry Clayton, and Clydie King. Susaye Greene, who later joined The Supremes, was also a member.

Ray Charles also helped some Raelettes record their own songs. He played piano on these solo records. In 1962, Charles started Tangerine Records. The Raelettes released three songs that became top 40 R&B hits. These were "One Hurt Deserves Another" (1967), "I'm Gettin' 'Long All Right" (1968), and "Bad Water" (1971). A collection of their songs called Souled Out came out in 1970. It also featured songs by Ike & Tina Turner.

In the 1970s, Mable John became a lead singer for the Raelettes. The group even toured on their own without Ray Charles. After Mable John left, the Raelettes went back to singing backup. Different groups of Raelettes continued to sing with Ray Charles until he passed away in 2004.

Notable Members

Many talented singers were part of the Raelettes over the years. Here are some of the well-known members:

• Merry Clayton
• Susaye Greene
• Margie Hendrix
• Mable John
• Clydie King
• Minnie Riperton
• Marilyn McCoo
• Edna Wright

The Raelettes' Music

Albums

• 1970: Souled Out (Tangerine 1511) – This album featured The Raelettes with Ike & Tina Turner.
• 1972: (Ray Charles Presents) The Raeletts, Yesterday... Today... Tomorrow (Tangerine 1515)
• 1993: The Raelettes, Hits And Rarities (Titanic Records TR-CD 4422)

Hit Songs (Singles)

The Raelettes had several songs that made it onto the music charts.

See also

In Spanish: The Raelettes para niños