Arlene Smith, Co-Founder of Pioneering 1950s Girl Group The Chantels Dies at 84

Smith co-wrote and sang lead on the group's 1957 single "Maybe."

Arlene Smith of The Chantels performing on September 2005 in New York City.

Bill Tompkins/Getty Images

Arlene Smith, one of the co-founders and lead vocalists of the pioneering 1950s girl group The Chantels, has died at 84. The news was confirmed by Smith’s manager and friend, Paul Errante, to the Associated Press, who said the singer, who co-wrote and sang lead on the group’s signature yearning 1957 Billboard Hot 100 No. 15 hit “Maybe,” had died of a heart attack at a New York City hospital on Wednesday (July 29).

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