The Life and Music of the Dixie Cups

The Dixie Cups were among the most memorable all-girl groups of the 1960s. Their music blended pop, R&B, and New Orleans flair with soulful harmonies and catchy hooks. Best known for their 1964 chart-topping hit “Chapel of Love,” the group carved a lasting place in American pop history. Though their time at the top was brief, their impact and legacy still resonate.

From their humble beginnings in New Orleans to their success in New York and induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, The Dixie Cups helped define the girl group sound of the early 60s.

Origins and Formation

The original members—Barbara Ann Hawkins, Rosa Lee Hawkins, and Joan Marie Johnson—grew up singing together in New Orleans, Louisiana. Barbara and Rosa were sisters; Joan was their cousin. Their earliest performances took place during grade school, and they once performed under the name “Little Miss and the Muffets.”

In 1963, they formed a group called The Meltones and were discovered by Joe Jones, the singer behind the 1960 hit “You Talk Too Much.” Jones became their manager and helped take them to New York, where they signed with Red Bird Records, a new label launched by famed producers and songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Breakthrough with “Chapel of Love”

In 1964, the group changed their name to The Dixie Cups, a nod to their Southern roots. Their debut single, “Chapel of Love,” was originally written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector—intended first for The Ronettes. But when The Dixie Cups recorded it, everything clicked.

Released on Red Bird Records, the song was an instant success:

• Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100

• Stayed at the top for three weeks

• Sold over one million copies

• Earned a gold record

• Ranked #279 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time

The single’s joyful celebration of love and marriage made it a go-to wedding anthem and solidified the group’s place in pop music history.

Additional Hits and Success

Following the massive success of “Chapel of Love,” The Dixie Cups released several other singles, many of which performed well on the charts:

• “People Say” – Peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1964)

• “You Should Have Seen the Way He Looked at Me” – Reached #39 (1964)

• “Little Bell” – Charted at #51 (1965)

In 1965, they recorded a new version of the New Orleans traditional tune “Iko Iko.” According to the group, they were simply playing around in the studio, clapping and singing the song for fun. Producers liked the result and released it as a single.

• “Iko Iko” – Reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1965)

The song, originally recorded by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford in 1953, became one of their signature tracks and is still widely associated with New Orleans music.

Label Changes and Hiatus

Later in 1965, the group switched to ABC-Paramount Records and released “Gee the Moon Is Shining Bright,” co-written by Spector, Greenwich, and Barry. Though it received positive reviews, it only reached #102 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” chart, just missing the Hot 100.

With the decline in commercial success, the group went on a temporary hiatus. Each member began exploring separate paths, and they eventually returned to New Orleans from New York.

Member Changes and Touring

After the group’s break, original member Joan Marie Johnson left. She had become a Jehovah’s Witness and no longer wished to perform secular music. She was replaced by Beverly Brown, a singer active during the 1960s. When Brown left in the early 1980s, she was replaced by Dale Mickle.

The group continued performing on the oldies and nostalgia circuit, earning new fans while staying connected with longtime supporters.

In more recent years, Athelgra Neville, sister of the famous Neville Brothers, joined the group, replacing Mickle. The current lineup includes:

• Barbara Ann Hawkins

• Rosa Lee Hawkins

• Athelgra Neville

Personal Lives and Post-Katrina Relocation

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused widespread devastation in New Orleans. As a result, Barbara and Rosa Hawkins relocated to Florida, while Joan Marie Johnson moved to Texas.

Despite the disruptions, The Dixie Cups continued to perform and make appearances, preserving their legacy.

Recognition and Legacy

In April 2007, The Dixie Cups were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, honoring their cultural and musical contributions to the state. Their music, particularly “Chapel of Love” and “Iko Iko,” remains central to New Orleans’ identity and the girl group genre.

They are also recognized for being one of the first girl groups to have a self-composed hit that reached the top of the charts—a major accomplishment during a time when women in the music industry had limited control over their material.

Discography Highlights

Albums:

• Chapel of Love (Red Bird, 1964)

• Riding High with the Dixie Cups (ABC-Paramount, 1965)

Top Singles: