The Cookies: From Brooklyn Backing Vocals to Chart-Topping Hits
The Cookies, a girl group from Brooklyn, New York, gained fame in the 1960s for their backing vocals on hits by artists like Ray Charles and Neil Sedaka. They were mentored by songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin, who also wrote songs for the group, such as "Don't Say Nothin' Bad (About My Baby)" and "Chains," which reached the top of the charts.
"Chains," originally recorded by the Everly Brothers, became a hit for the Cookies in 1962. The song's lyrics describe a love that feels like a binding force. George Harrison of the Beatles was a fan of the Cookies' version and included it in the band's early performances, eventually recording their own rendition for their debut album, Please Please Me.
George Harrison took the lead on "Chains" for the Beatles' album, showcasing his vocals alongside harmonies by Paul McCartney and John Lennon. The track was well-received by fans and marked Harrison's vocal debut with the Beatles. Carole King later released her own version of "Chains" on her album Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King, paying tribute to the song's enduring legacy.