41. Gretchen Christopher of the Fleetwoods
Illustration by Taylor W. Rushing
On today’s show, Gretchen Christopher of the iconic 1950s and 60s pop vocal group the Fleetwoods returns to the show. Gretchen talks about that band’s formation and rise straight to the top of the Billboard charts, and her solo career that followed. The Fleetwoods were comprised of Gretchen Christopher, Barbara Ellis, and Gary Troxel and were the first group to hit number one TWICE on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts in a single year. They were an international success thanks to their tight harmonies, rich sound and classic songs like “Come Softly To Me” and “Mr. Blue.” Gretchen has lived all over the country, but has settled back in here in Olympia, Washington where we produce this program. We first met about a year ago when she came to my all vinyl yard sale looking for Fleetwoods albums, and I think the fact that I told her I did but they were not for sale might have helped me score enough points to land an interview with a living legend such as herself.
Back In January of 2021 she invited my BFF-slash-guest engineer Andrew Ebright and I to the deck of her home to record this interview on location. She sings a song she wrote for the group acapella, gave us a tour of her place, and showed us some cool memorabilia. Andrew came back a few days after that and recorded her doing a new song on the piano, which you’ll hear later. He also got that on video, and you can view it here by scrolling down.
Their version of the classic doo-wop song “We Belong Together” from the Mr. Blue album is featured on this episode, and a demo version of “Happy Happy Birthday.” You’ll also hear the title track from her “Gretchen’s Sweet 16” album, which you can find here.
After that, I’m going to play you the Christmas Bonus episode we taped together last year where she talks about her single “Christmas Is You,” because… y’know… Christmas in July, right?... Right???
Listen by clicking the play button below.
BONUS CONTENT:
Videos shot by Andrew Ebright for two solo performances by Gretchen Christopher.
“I Am An Angel”
“Christmas Is You”
Here’s an early television performance of the Fleetwoods’ signature debut hit “Come Softly To Me":