The Chanter Sisters are sisters Irene and Doreen Chanter who perform both as a duo, and as backing for other singers. They released three albums and a number of singles from the mid to late 1970s.
Background
Irene and Doreen began recording as The Chanters – a family group which also included several of their brothers. The sisters then went their own way, recording first under the name Birds of a Feather, and later as The Chanter Sisters, enjoying their only UK Singles Charthit when "Sideshow" entered the chart in July 1976 reaching number 43. The sisters have been far more successful in their backup singing career. Their credits include work with Elton John, Long John Baldry, Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music, John Miles, The Secret Policeman's Ball, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Meat Loaf, Joe Cocker and many other famous names. The pair also had uncredited bit parts as schoolgirls in the 1971 schlock horror film, Twins of Evil. Although the sisters have predominantly worked together, Doreen has had the more extensive musical career, touring without her sister with several of the above named bands. However, the pair continue to work together in the recording studio, providing backup vocals for Chris Farlowe as recently as 2003. Doreen also found success as a songwriter, being responsible for "Star", a UK hit in 1982 for Kiki Dee.
Songs recorded
One of the songs they covered was "If Only I Could Start Again". This song released as a single in 1977 had previously been covered by The Drifters and was from their 1975 album There GoesMy First Love. It was written by Geoff Stephens and Roger Greenaway.
"Na Na Hey Hey", "Danny Disco" / "When the Lights Go Out" – Safari DOZ1 – 1977
"Can't Stop Dancing" / "Back on the Road" – Safari / Crystal 052 CRY 61816 YZ – 1979 – –
UK 12" albums
First Flight – Polydor 2383 382 – 1976
Side A: "Cuckoo-Cuckoo", "Darlin'", "Side Show", "Hound Dog", "Band of Gold" / " Higher And Higher" Side B: "Halfway To Paradise", "Turn Rolling Stone", "Blue Jean Days", "All The Young Dudes", "Loving You Is"
Side A: "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'", "Never Thought Falling in Love ", "Dance Dance Dance", "Talking Too Much About My Baby", "When the Lights Go Out" Side B: "Na Na Hey Hey " / "It's Too Late Now"/ "Sunshine Day" / "Nashville"
Shoulder to Shoulder – Safari LONG 4 – 1978
Side A: "Shoulder to Shoulder", "Oh What A Shame", "I Wanna Get Closer", "I Love You", "Born to Lose" Side B: "Can't Stop Dancing", "Cari Blue", "I'll Be There", "I've Got Your Number", "Thanks To You"
