The Velvelettes

The Velvelettes, an American girl group, were formed in 1961 at Western Michigan University by Bertha Barbee-McNeal and Mildred Gill Arbor. The original line-up included Cal Gill, Betty Kelly, and Norma Barbee. They signed with Motown Records in late 1962 and began recording at Hitsville USA studio. Their first single, "There He Goes" / "That's the Reason Why", was released via IPG Records in early 1963. In 1964, producer Norman Whitfield helped them achieve their biggest chart success with "Needle in a Haystack", which reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the release of their follow-up single, "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'", Betty Kelly quit the group to join Martha and the Vandellas. The Velvelettes continued performing and recording, with various members leaving and rejoining over the years. Their final single release was "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You", which reached number 43 on the US R&B Charts. The Velvelettes disbanded in 1969. In 1984, the original members reunited for a concert appearance and subsequently recorded new material for the album One Door Closes. Founding member Bertha Barbee-McNeal passed away on 15 December 2022.