Rag Dolls - PUT A RING ON MY FINGER (1965)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Mala 506) Out of New York this disc recorded on March 4,1965 is the last of four singles credited to The Rag Dolls. The group consisting of lead singer Jean Thomas, Mikie Harris and Susie Lewis was more or less an afterthought. Jean and Mikie were in demand East Coast session singers often recording with Ellie Greenwich creating magnificent harmonies that graced many a record. Producer Bob Crewe who had just struck gold with The Four Seasons hit, 'Rag Doll' jumped on the 'answer song' bandwagon. The tune 'Society's Girl' was written as a girl's point of view with Jean on lead vocals with session singers, Carol Fran, Marilyn Jackson and Ann Phillips on background vocals. The combination proved successful as the single issued on the Parkway label garnered a decent hit. A studio version of the group was formed, publicity photos were taken and three more singles were issued on the Mala label. A different touring group had to be assembled since Jean did not want to tour and preferred the lucrative supply of session work available to her. Jean Thomas cut solo records for Cadence, DynoVoice and M~G~M as well as with other groups comprised of session singers. Most notably as The Beach Girls on DynoVoice, The Beach Nuts on Bang, The Calendar Girls on 4 Corners, Angie & The Chicklettes on APT and The Powder Puffs on Imperial.

[@johnnypoker46]

It has "Bob Crewe" stamped all over it, and in 1965 it didn't get any better than that!

[@jkeyes1000]

Love those old Mala/Amy/Bell records! I'm a serious collector of them. Bob Crewe certainly did his best to capitalise not only on the name "Ragdoll", but--on the ear-piercing high notes for which Frankie Valli was known. Thanks for yet another scarce item for my checklist!.

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Great companion single to their monster classic Dusty on Mala.

[@constancemetzinger6100]

I like it. It does indeed sound like Bob Crewe was hoping to make a successful female version of The Four Seasons, especially with those backing harmonies.

[@spectorcollector]

@jkeyes: ear-piercing, lol. This thing's right up there with Diane Renay's "I Had a Dream," and I mean that in the best possible way! Thanks for the music, the video, and the history lesson, Anthony. And by the way, I keep forgetting to mention how awesome it is that you use appropriate company sleeves whenever possible. (Yet another) nice touch.

[@eddieb508]

kind of confused where is the Strangeloves connection

[@warnerrobbins9692]

If this song is any indication...should be Cheesy Records...still...I'm going to give them a try and see what happens...