Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Arlene Smith, Lead Singer of The Chantels, Dies at 84
Arlene Smith was the main singer of a famous 1950s girl group called The Chantels.
She helped write and sing the hit song "Maybe," which sold over a million copies.
She died at 84 after a heart attack in New York City.
After leaving the group, she worked with famous producer Phil Spector and later taught music in schools.
The Chantels were one of the first Black girl groups to become popular, and Arlene was a pioneer for women in music.
Arlene Smith, lead singer of The Chantels, died at 84 in New York City after a heart attack.
She co‑wrote and sang lead on the 1958 hit "Maybe," which sold over a million copies.
Smith left The Chantels in 1959, worked briefly with Phil Spector, earned a master’s degree, and taught music in NYC schools.
The Chantels were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002 and were pioneers for Black female acts in early rock‑and‑roll.
Smith famously said, "the guys are not the only ones that can do this," highlighting her role in breaking gender barriers.
- Who
- Arlene Smith, lead singer of The Chantels
- What
- Died after a heart attack; remembered for co‑writing and singing "Maybe"
- When
- July 31, 2024
- Where
- New York City hospital
- Why
- Heart attack
- Name
- Arlene Smith
- Age
- 84
- Date of death
- July 31, 2024
- Occupation
- Singer, Music Educator
- Notable work
- "Maybe" (1958)
- Place of death
- New York City, New York, USA
- Induction
- Vocal Group Hall of Fame, 2002