Original Chantels vocalist Arlene Smith dies at 84 in New York

Arlene Smith, the original lead vocalist of The Chantels, died at 84 from natural causes while at a rehabilitation facility in New York City, a friend confirmed. The Chantels rose to fame in 1957 with the song “Maybe,” which climbed to No. 15 on the pop chart and No. 2 on the R&B chart, cementing their place as one of the first successful female R&B groups. Smith’s early musical training included a Carnegie Hall performance at age 12 and a debut with End Records that produced modest chart success before “Maybe” broke through.

Following the group’s early years, she launched a solo career, later re-formed the group in the 1960s, and in the 1970s led a version of The Chantels featuring Carol Douglas and Louise Bethune. After retiring from music, Smith worked as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx. She never married and left no descendants.