What Became of the Paris Sisters?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Sisters were an American pop vocal trio that rose to fame in the early 1960s. The group consisted of Albeth, Sherrell, and Priscilla Paris, three sisters born and raised in San Francisco, California.

The Early Days

The Paris Sisters began their music career in the late 1950s, performing at local venues in San Francisco. They were discovered by the songwriter and producer Bob Marcucci, who helped them secure a record deal with the label Gregmark Records.

Breakthrough Success

In 1961, the Paris Sisters released their first hit single “Be My Boy” which reached #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The following year, they had even more success with their single “I Love How You Love Me”, which peaked at #5 on the charts and became their signature song.

Later Years

Despite their early success, the Paris Sisters struggled to maintain their popularity throughout the rest of the 1960s. They continued to release music and perform live but failed to achieve any major hits.

Personal Life Struggles

In addition to their professional struggles, the sisters also faced personal challenges. Albeth and Sherrell both experienced health issues that impacted their ability to perform and record music. Priscilla also struggled with addiction and mental health issues.

Legacy

Despite their short-lived success, the Paris Sisters left a lasting impact on pop music through their unique vocal style and harmonies. Many artists have covered “I Love How You Love Me” over the years including The Beach Boys and Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel.

  • Their sound: The Paris Sisters’ sound was characterized by their soft harmonies and dreamy vocals that influenced many other artists.
  • Impact on pop culture: Their hit song “I Love How You Love Me” has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, cementing their place in popular culture.
  • Influence on other artists: Many artists have cited the Paris Sisters as an influence on their music, including Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.

Conclusion

Although the Paris Sisters’ career was relatively short-lived, their impact on pop music is undeniable. Their unique vocal style and harmonies continue to influence artists to this day. While the sisters faced personal and professional struggles, their legacy lives on through their music and the impact they had on popular culture.