Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Nov 9, 2025

In 1946, four friends – Jinny Osborn (real name Virginia Cole), Janet Ertel, Carol Buschmann, and Dorothy Schwartz, formed a group in their hometown of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

The women, all from musical backgrounds, were drawn together by their love of barbershop harmony, a style traditionally sung by men. Determined to make their mark in the genre, they adapted barbershop’s intricate harmonies to suit female voices, creating a distinctive sound that would soon captivate national audiences.

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They gained early recognition performing locally and in regional competitions before catching the attention of Arthur Godfrey, the popular radio and television host known for discovering new talent.

In 1949, they won a talent contest that earned them a spot on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. Impressed by their smooth harmonies and wholesome charm, Godfrey invited the group to become regular performers on his show. This exposure introduced this female quartet to a nationwide audience and established them as one of the most promising vocal groups of the era.

The group eventually parted ways with Godfrey in the early 50s to pursue a recording career, signing on with their bandleader Archie Bleyer’s new label, Cadence Records. Their breakthrough came in 1954 with the release of “Mr. Sandman,” a whimsical, dreamlike tune that became a massive hit. The song topped the Billboard charts and showcased the group’s trademark blend of playful lyrics, precise harmonies, and lush vocal arrangements.

A string of hits followed, including “Eddie My Love,” “Born To Be With You,” and “Just Between You And Me.”

In 1958, they scored again with a cover of a song written by Julius Dixson and Beverly Ross. Ross recorded a demo with Ronald Gumm (or Gumps), a 13-year-old neighbor of Dixson, under the name Ronald & Ruby. Ross’s mother insisted that she use a pseudonym for safety reasons, because they were an interracial duo.

According to Julius Dixson, the song originated when he was late for a songwriting session with Beverly Ross. He explained that his daughter had gotten a lollipop stuck in her hair, and that had caused him to be late. Ross was so inspired by the word “lollipop” that she sat down at the piano and produced a version of the song on the spot.

A bubbly, upbeat song it became one of Chordettes most recognizable recordings. Its catchy rhythm, punctuated by the group’s trademark “pop” sound effect, captured the youthful optimism of the era and solidified the group’s and “Lollipop’s” place in pop music history and it’s this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.

YouTube listing of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kXKUSAbvuM

This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.