Dating back to the 1950s, when they were often just a tool for producers or record executives to showcase the latest work by their resident songwriters, girl groups have been a fixture in the music industry. In the early '60s, girl groups developed a polished sound characterized by a thick layer of instrumentation and catchy melodies. Lyrically they addressed the emotions and innocent yearnings of teens with a deceptively simple naivete. Often the music had strong elements of Motown, and numerous vocalists also had roots in gospel. During the British invasion many girl groups faded away; others, though, such as Martha and the Vandellas made the successful transformation into more soulful and sophisticated territory.

Notable artists: The Chiffons, the Cookies, the Shangri-Las, the Chantels