Book SummaryBut Will You Love Me Tomorrow, by Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of But Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Origins and Evolution of 1950s-1960s Girl Group Sound

This section focuses, as Flam and Liebowitz emphasize, on the roots of the girl group sound, showcasing their organic beginnings performing doo-wop in streets and hallways. It then delves into the early parts of their careers, highlighting their experiences navigating the industry, facing exploitative managers, and tapping into the burgeoning teen market. Groups like The Hearts, The Shirelles, The Clickettes, The Bobbettes, and The Chantels are given considerable attention, alongside the influence of DJs such as Alan Freed. This part lays the groundwork for understanding the girl groups' rise and success.

Vocalizing on Corners and in Hallways: The Girl Group's Foundation

Flam and Liebowitz explain that, rather than being manufactured, the foundation of the girl group music style was built organically, stemming from the passion for soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues that filled the air in their neighborhoods. Public spaces like street corners and hallways became their first stages, where the magic of a cappella harmonies and doo-wop was honed. The authors stress this origin to counter the common misconception that these ensembles were simply manufactured pop products.

The Chantels: Trailblazers in a Male-Dominated Doo-Wop Scene

The Chantels mark a pivotal moment in music history as one of the first all-female groups to break into the predominantly male world of doo-wop. The authors portray them as trailblazers, inspired by their male counterparts, yet determined to carve out their own space. This determination stemmed from singers like Arlene Smith, whose powerful voice and preference for soulful ballads set them apart from the "cutesy" girl sounds of the time. The authors highlight their unique origin grounded in Catholic choral harmonies, which contributed to their signature heavenly vocals, a quality later praised by other artists, critics, and fans alike.

Context

• Their breakthrough challenged the gender norms of the time, encouraging record labels to invest in female talent and diversify their rosters.
• Arlene Smith, the lead singer, was known for her strong, emotive vocal style, which was unusual for female singers at the time and helped the group stand out in a male-dominated field.
• During the late 1950s and early 1960s, many girl groups were marketed with a focus on light, catchy tunes and a "cutesy" image, often emphasizing themes of teenage romance and innocence.
• Being part of a church choir could have provided The Chantels with a supportive community that encouraged musical exploration and performance, fostering their development as artists.
• Their use of complex harmonies and emotional delivery was innovative for the time, setting a new standard for vocal performance in popular music.

Bobbettes' Success Establishing Girl Groups With "Mr. Lee"

The Bobbettes burst onto the scene with their hit "Mr. Lee," capturing the spirit of youthful fun and playful lyrics that became synonymous with early girl groups. Flam and Liebowitz detail their discovery by Atlantic Records and the role of the record's producers in shaping their breakout single. They showcase the Bobbettes' raw talent and songwriting abilities, even at a young age, setting a precedent for girl groups creating their own work despite lacking formal music training. Their success solidified the viability of girl bands in the pop music landscape.

Practical Tips

• Host a themed party that celebrates the era of "Mr. Lee." Organize a 1950s-themed party where guests dress up in period attire and dance to the music of that decade. This immersive experience can provide a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical context of the music from that time.
• Start a blog or vlog that spotlights one new artist each week. Use this platform to share their music, interview them, and tell their story. This not only gives the artist exposure but also allows you to develop skills in content creation and digital marketing.
• Collaborate with a local music producer to remix a classic song. By working with someone experienced in music production, you can learn how the production process can transform a song. For example, choose a song you enjoy and discuss with the producer how different beats, instruments, or arrangements could alter its mood and message.
• Set up a personal challenge, such as writing a song a week or learning a new chord every day, to consistently work on your talent. This structured approach ensures regular practice and can lead to a portfolio of work. Over time, these challenges can increase in complexity, mirroring the way a young talent would naturally progress.
• Create a YouTube channel dedicated to documenting your journey of music creation without formal training. Share videos of your learning process, songwriting sessions, and any music you create. Engage with your audience by asking for feedback and suggestions on what to try next, creating a community-driven music creation experience.
• Explore the history of girl bands by creating a playlist that features tracks from pioneering groups to current hits, noting the evolution in style and influence. As you listen, consider how each band built upon the success of their predecessors, and think about the unique qualities they brought to the music industry. This can deepen your appreciation for the genre and its impact on pop culture.

Understanding the Industry and Facing Exploitative Managers

The authors, Flam and Liebowitz, reveal the harsh realities that girl groups faced once they entered the world of music. These youthful singers, often still teenagers, were thrust into a world of demanding schedules, contracts they didn't fully understand, and managers who prioritized profit over the artists' well-being. This section focuses on two groups, The Clickettes and The Hearts, who despite experiencing varying degrees of success, both...

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow Summary Rise and Success of Female Groups: Crystals, Ronettes, Marvelettes, Vandellas, Supremes

This section underscores how the early successes of groups like The Chantels and The Shirelles paved the way for a wave of new talent in the early 1960s. Flam and Liebowitz highlight groups like The Crystals, The Ronettes, The Marvelettes, The Vandellas, and The Supremes, who not only dominated the charts but also left an indelible mark on pop culture and fashioned a sound that continues to resonate with music lovers today. The authors explore the unique qualities of each group, diving into their collaborations with producers, how their image developed, and the challenges they faced as they navigated stardom.

Crystals' Tumultuous History Involving Phil Spector: Success and Creative Control Issues

Phil Spector's influence on The Crystals exemplifies the complexities of navigating creative control, artistic identity, and the producer-driven nature of the music industry. Flam and Liebowitz portray a group whose early recordings established them as a force in the female group genre, yet whose experience with Spector revealed the potential for manipulation and exploitation. The authors highlight Spector's increasing control over their career, including his decision to use The...

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow Summary Role of the Industry and Motown in Shaping Girl Group Style and Experience

Flam and Liebowitz dedicate this section to analyzing the key forces that shaped the musical style and individual experiences of the vocalists. They focus on Phil Spector's innovative Wall of Sound, the intricacies of Motown's creative system, and the influence of songwriting duos like Carole King with Gerry Goffin, all against a backdrop of ongoing racial and gendered disparities within the music industry. The authors emphasize that while talent, creativity, and vision were integral to girl bands' achievements, their stories are inseparable from the larger systems, power dynamics, and social inequalities.

Phil Spector's Influence on Girl Groups' Style

The authors argue that Phil Spector left an undeniable mark on the girl group sound, revolutionizing recording techniques and creating a sonic landscape that captured the grandeur and emotional intensity of teenage love and heartbreak. His Wall of Sound, characterized by its dense instrumentation, layered vocals, and signature echo effect, defined the sound of hits for groups such as The Ronettes and The Crystals, establishing him as a visionary producer. However, the authors also emphasize the tension between his unrelenting...

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow Summary Challenges Faced by Girl Groups: Exploitation, Racist and Sexist Attitudes

This section, as Flam and Liebowitz emphasize, moves beyond simply a celebration of the sound of girl groups to examine the harsh realities that many artists, particularly the Black female singers, faced while navigating the music industry and touring the country. The authors explore the pervasiveness of racial bias and segregation, the exploitation endemic to the music industry's business model, and the gendered expectations and pressures that attempted to limit female artists' longevity and control over their careers.

Traveling Across the U.S. Amid Racism and Segregation

Flam and Liebowitz expose, through the first-hand accounts of various artists, the intense racism and segregation that permeated the touring experience for groups of Black female musicians. While achieving national recognition and acclaim, the performers faced constant threats to their safety and dignity, navigating segregated venues, hotels, and even drinking facilities. The authors connect these experiences to the larger context of the Civil Rights movement, highlighting the irony of delivering a unifying musical message to listeners who remained deeply divided along racial lines.

Shirelles Faced...

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow Summary Girl Group Era's Decline and Their Lasting Legacy

This final section focuses on the decline of the girl group era, highlighting, as Flam and Liebowitz do, how the arrival of UK acts and shifts in musical tastes diminished opportunities for American girl groups, resulting in the disbanding of numerous acts and leaving many singers struggling to rebuild their careers. However, the authors also emphasize the enduring impact of music by female ensembles on future generations of female artists, their influence on musical evolution, and their contributions to advocating for artists' rights and fair remuneration.

Impact of UK Rock Bands on Music Industry Landscape

The emergence of British acts like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, as Flam and Liebowitz explain, fundamentally transformed the music industry landscape in the mid-sixties. Their fresh sound, songwriting talent, and captivating stage presence captivated a global audience, altering musical tastes and reshaping expectations from the general public and record labels. While the impact of British bands' rise to prominence on American music overall is significant, the authors focus on its specific impact on female singing groups, highlighting how their opportunities...