The Angels were a trailblazing girl group from New Jersey, best known for their 1963 chart-topping hit “My Boyfriend’s Back.” Formed in the early 1960s, the group blended tight harmonies, upbeat melodies, and a sassy charm that resonated with teens across the country. Although their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their music left a lasting impression on pop history.
Their story involves lineup changes, label switches, and even a name dispute—but through it all, sisters Barbara and Phyllis Allbut remained the group’s core. The Angels made several comeback attempts over the decades and still perform occasionally, preserving the legacy of one of America’s classic girl groups.
| Artist Name | The Angels |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Jersey, USA |
| Years Active | 1961–present (with breaks and lineup changes) |
| Main Members | Barbara “Bibs” Allbut, Phyllis “Jiggs” Allbut, Peggy Santiglia |
| Genres | Pop, Girl Group, Doo-wop |
| Best Known For | “My Boyfriend’s Back” (1963) |
| Labels | Caprice, Smash, RCA Victor, Polydor |
| Notable Hits | “My Boyfriend’s Back”, “’Til”, “I Adore Him” |
Formation and Early Success
The Angels started as The Starlets in 1961, featuring sisters Barbara and Phyllis Allbut, Bernadette Carroll, and Linda Malzone. They sang backup in studios and performed locally. Eventually, Malzone left, and Linda Jansen (formerly Jankowski) joined as lead vocalist.
Their first single as The Angels, “’Til,” was released on Caprice Records and reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961. They followed with “Cry Baby Cry” which peaked at #38. These early successes earned them attention and a full-length album, And the Angels Sing.
Breakthrough with “My Boyfriend’s Back”
In 1962, Jansen departed, and Peggy Santiglia took over lead vocals. With her strong voice and magnetic presence, the group found new momentum. They moved to Smash Records, a subsidiary of Mercury, and released “My Boyfriend’s Back.”
The track exploded onto the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1963. Written by the famed FGG team (Feldman-Goldstein-Gottehrer), the song sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. Its catchy melody and revenge-themed lyrics became a teenage anthem and a timeless classic.
More Hits and Changing Lineups
Following their biggest hit, The Angels released:
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“I Adore Him” – #25 on the charts
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“Wow Wow Wee (He’s the Boy for Me)” – #41
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“Thank You and Goodnight” – #84
Despite these respectable chartings, they couldn’t match the magic of “My Boyfriend’s Back.” In 1965, a name dispute forced the group to briefly rename themselves The Halos. During this time, they recorded with Congress Records but saw little success.
Lineup changes continued: Santiglia left, replaced by Toni Mason, and later Debra Swisher. Carroll rejoined for a time. Despite these efforts, their later singles failed to chart.
The Later Years
In 1967, they reclaimed the name The Angels and recorded for RCA Victor. The group persisted with new material, but none reached the charts. They made another comeback attempt with Polydor Records in 1974, releasing new tracks, but mainstream success eluded them.
In 2008, the group released a CD titled Love, The Angels, and they continue to perform live, especially for nostalgic and revival events. Through it all, Bibs and Jiggs Allbut have remained the heart of the group.
Notable Songs by The Angels
Beyond their hit singles, The Angels recorded several memorable tracks, including:
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“A Moment Ago”
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“Poppa’s Side of the Bed”
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“Everybody Loves a Lover”
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“Merry Go Round”
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“The Boy with the Green Eyes”
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“If I Didn’t Love You”
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“Snowflakes and Teardrops”
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“You’ll Never Get to Heaven”
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“Dream Boy”
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“Blow Joe”
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“With Love”
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“So Nice”
These songs showcased the group’s signature harmonies and appeal to teen emotions of love, jealousy, and devotion.
Legacy
The Angels paved the way for future girl groups and female pop acts. Their blend of doo-wop and girl group charm made them stand out in the crowded early ’60s pop landscape. “My Boyfriend’s Back” has been covered, spoofed, and featured in films and commercials, proving its lasting cultural impact.
Even if their time at the top was short, The Angels made their mark—and continue to keep the spirit of early ’60s pop alive for new generations.