The Shirelles in 1968.Photo:Everett/Shutterstock
Everett/Shutterstock
Hachette Books
Liebowitz, whose book of poems,National Park, was longlisted for the Believer Book Award, answered questions about her book from PEOPLE via email.
PEOPLE:What inspired the two of you to write this book?
PEOPLE:What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
Liebowitz:The songs of the girl groups are some of the most famous pop songs of all time but the groups’ stories and names really aren’t well-known.
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So I hope after reading our book, maybe when a song like “He’s So Fine” is in a movie likeThe Fabelmans, people will be able to say “Hey, that’s the Chiffons!” That when they hear “Going to the Chapel” at a wedding, they’ll know the Dixie Cups are serenading the bride down the aisle. Or when they hear “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” at the supermarket, they will know that’s the Shirelles.
The Ronettes in 1964.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
PEOPLE:Why do you think now is the time to tell this story?
Liebowitz:While the songs they created and sang are timeless, the singers themselves are not. While some of the original artists are still performing, many can no longer do that and many others, unfortunately, are no longer with us. We want readers and audiences to be able to learn more about their contributions to the music industry while the remaining women are still here to receive that recognition.
Emily Sieu Liebowitz; Laura Flam.Joshua Simpson; London King
Joshua Simpson; London King
PEOPLE:What is something surprising you learned while writing the book?
But Will You Love Me Tomorrowis out now from Hachette Books.
source: people.com
