Though not always front and center in the spotlight, The Cookies left an unmistakable mark on the sound of 1960s pop and R&B. Known for their smooth harmonies, sassy charm, and close ties to songwriting legends Gerry Goffin and Carole King, The Cookies achieved chart success with hits like “Chains” and “Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby).” They also provided background vocals on some of the biggest records of the era, including Neil Sedaka’s “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” and Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion.”
Although they existed in two distinct lineups—one in the 1950s and a second in the 1960s—the group always featured talent connected by family and friendship. Their contributions as performers, backing vocalists, and Brill Building regulars helped shape the girl group era.
| Group Name | The Cookies |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Active Years | 1954–1967 |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Soul, Girl Group |
| Original Members | Dorothy Jones, Darlene McCrea, Beulah Robertson |
| Second Lineup | Dorothy Jones, Earl-Jean McCrea, Margaret Ross |
| Signature Hits | “Chains”, “Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)” |
| Associated Acts | Little Eva, Neil Sedaka, Ray Charles, Carole King |
Origins: The First Batch of Cookies
The Cookies began in Brooklyn, New York, around 1954, featuring:
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Dorothy Jones
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Darlene McCrea (Ethel McCrea)
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Beulah Robertson (Jones’ cousin)
Their early sound leaned toward doo-wop and traditional R&B. Signed first to the Lamp label and then Atlantic Records, they had a modest hit with “In Paradise” in 1956, reaching #9 on the R&B charts.
During this time, they also recorded background vocals for Joe Turner, Chuck Willis, and other Atlantic stars. After Beulah left, she was replaced by Margie Hendricks, and the group began working with Ray Charles.
From Cookies to Raelettes
Introduced to Charles through Atlantic, the group transitioned into Ray Charles’ backing vocalists, officially becoming The Raelettes in the late 1950s. With members like Margie Hendricks and Pat Lyles, the Raelettes became a staple of Charles’ sound—most notably on hits like “What’d I Say.”
Though no longer called The Cookies, the group’s legacy continued in this high-profile role.
Rebirth: The Second Generation Cookies
In 1961, Dorothy Jones revived the Cookies name, this time with:
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Earl-Jean McCrea (Darlene’s younger sister)
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Margaret Ross (another cousin)
This new trio was central to the Brill Building sound. Working under the guidance of Gerry Goffin and Carole King, they recorded demos, background vocals, and eventually their own hits for Dimension Records.
Their background work during this period includes:
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“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” – Neil Sedaka
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“The Loco-Motion” and “Let’s Turkey Trot” – Little Eva
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“Comin’ Home Baby” – Mel Tormé
These sessions gave the Cookies national exposure and led to their own recording opportunities.
Hit Singles and Chart Success
The Cookies scored several hits in the early 1960s, most notably:
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“Chains” (1962) – #17 Pop, #6 R&B
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“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)” (1963) – #7 Pop, #3 R&B
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“Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys” (1963) – #33 Pop, #18 R&B
All three were written by Goffin and King, with the exception of “Girls Grow Up…” which was co-written by Jack Keller. Their harmonies and teenage appeal made them a standout in a crowded girl group landscape.
“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)”
This was their biggest hit and the only one to reach the Top 10 on the Hot 100. With a sharp, sassy vocal and a swinging arrangement (including saxophone from King Curtis), the song showcased the group’s full potential.
Critic Richie Unterberger described it as:
“Sassy girl talk at its best… catchy pop-rock with a cool-jazz overlay.”
It reached:
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#7 on Billboard Hot 100
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#3 on R&B Chart
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#17 in Canada
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#86 on Billboard’s “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time”
A Beatles Connection
“Chains” gained a second life in 1963 when it was recorded by The Beatles for their debut album Please Please Me. Featuring George Harrison on lead vocals, it introduced the Cookies’ material to a global rock audience and gave them a special place in Beatles history.
Earl-Jean McCrea’s Solo Shot
Earl-Jean left the group in 1964 to pursue a solo career. Her debut single, “I’m Into Something Good,” was another Goffin-King composition. While her version charted modestly, it was soon eclipsed by Herman’s Hermits, whose cover became a major hit. The timing was unfortunate, and Earl-Jean’s solo career faded soon after.
Later Years and Disbandment
The Cookies released their final recordings in 1967, including some tracks produced by The Tokens. During their career, they also recorded under several aliases for various labels:
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The Cinderellas
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The Palisades
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The Stepping Stones
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The Honey Bees
Despite fading from the charts, they remained active behind the scenes as session singers and live performers.
Margaret Ross (now Margaret Ross Williams) later revived the Cookies name for occasional oldies performances with new vocalists.
Legacy and Influence
The Cookies are often overlooked in discussions about 1960s girl groups, but their impact is lasting:
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Their background vocals shaped many Brill Building hits.
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They helped launch Little Eva’s career.
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“Chains” was immortalized by The Beatles.
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“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad” remains a girl group classic.
Their blend of R&B roots with pop accessibility helped define the early 60s girl group sound.
In Memoriam
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Dorothy Jones passed away in 2010.
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Darlene McCrea died in 2013.
Their contributions to R&B and pop music continue to resonate with collectors, historians, and fans of vintage soul.
Essential Discography
Hit Singles:
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“In Paradise” (1956) – #9 R&B
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“Chains” (1962) – #17 Pop, #6 R&B
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“Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)” (1963) – #7 Pop, #3 R&B
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“Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys” (1963) – #33 Pop, #18 R&B
Other Notable Songs:
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“Down Home”
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“I Never Dreamed”
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“Wounded” (as The Cinderellas)
Final Thoughts
The Cookies were more than just another girl group. They were a key ingredient in the Brill Building’s success, contributing both as lead artists and background vocalists. With a catalog that still sounds fresh, and a voice that once backed the likes of Sedaka and Charles, The Cookies helped shape a golden era of pop—and sweetened some of its most beloved records.