Bunny Paul was born in Detroit, Michigan, where she first gained regional stardom—she was also very popular in neighboring Windsor, Ontario—frequented clubs from a young age. In her papers, which reside in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s archives, there’s a photo of Paul standing below the marquee of a venue called the Peoria Room, which reads “Bunny Paul Vocalist Extraordinary.” Written at the bottom of the photo in her hand: “My first job without a band, 20 years old.”
Perkins, Laura Lee
Laura Lee Perkins was born Alice Faye Perkins, and she grew up in a coal mining town about fifty miles outside of Charleston, West Virginia. Perkins learned to play the guitar and sing at home, and her family was gifted a piano when she was a child. She never took lessons, but taught herself to play proficiently.
Pittman, Barbara
Barbara Pittman was born and raised in Memphis, Tennesee. She became interested in music in part because her uncle owned a pawn shop, and she got to meet the musicians who came through to buy or sell instruments. She grew up near Elvis Presley, and the two were childhood acquaintances. Her first professional gig was touring with singing cowboy movie star Lash LaRue. Pittman recorded for Sun and Phillips International, releasing four singles between 1956 and 1960 and recording several more sides that Sam Phillips never issued.
Pitts, Gloria Jean
Gloria Jean Pitts recorded for two California-based labels, Imperial and Music City. It appears that the only record ever released under the name “Gloria Jean Pitts” was the R&B single “I Don’t Stand No Quittin’” backed with “Things You Should Know” on Imperial. The copyright for the song “I Don’t Stand No Quittin’” is also claimed by Pitts.
Poni-Tails, The
The Poni-Tails were a trio of singers from Brush High School in Cleveland, Ohio, originally formed in 1955. The group consisted first of Karin Topinka, Pat McCabe, and Toni Cistone; LaVerne Novak replaced Topinka in 1957 (reportedly when the latter’s parents objected to her pursuing a musical career). While seniors in high school, Topinka, McCabe, and Cistone began singing together on something of a whim.