The Beverley Sisters, consisting of Joycelyn Victoria Chinery (Joy), Hazel P. Chinery (Teddie), and Babette Patricia Chinery (Babs), were born in Bethnal Green, London on May 5, 1924, and May 5, 1927 respectively. The sisters began their career during World War II, successfully auditioning for an advertising campaign for Ovaltine in November 1944. This led to their first radio appearances with the BBC, where they adopted the name Beverley Sisters. Their breakthrough came when they were offered a recording opportunity by Glenn Miller before his disappearance. The sisters gained popularity through radio and television appearances, including their own series Those Beverley Sisters, which ran for seven years.
The Beverley Sisters signed with UK Columbia in 1951, moving to Philips and Decca labels before returning to Columbia in 1960. Their notable hits include "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (number 6, 1953) and "Little Drummer Boy" (number 6, 1959). They also appeared in the 1954 film musical Harmony Lane and had a US chart hit with "Greensleeves" in 1956. The sisters were known for their live cabaret performances and television appearances, often wearing matching outfits both on- and off-stage. They were appointed MBEs in 2006 and entered the Guinness World Records in 2002 as the world's longest surviving vocal group without a change in lineup. Joycelyn Victoria Chinery (Joy) passed away on August 31, 2015, followed by Babette Patricia Chinery (Babs) on October 28, 2018, and Hazel P. Chinery (Teddie) on June 17, 2026.
