Arlene Smith, one of the founding members of the famous ’50s doo wop group the Chantels, doed on July 29, 2026, at age of 84, due to heart disease.
The Chantels were blessed with beautiful harmony. Arlene’s golden lead voice elevated the Chantels, whose 23 hits stunned national and international audiences, into musical history. Their youth, beauty, and Catholic church choir sound reign to this day. She is loved and will always be remembered.
In a recent formal statement, the three surviving members of the Chantels — Lois Harris Powell, Sonia Goring Wilson, and Renee Minus White — said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend, sister, and founding member, Arlene Smith. Arlene was far more than the extraordinary lead voice of the Chantels — she was an inspiring artist and one of the true pioneers of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and the girl vocal-group sound. Through her remarkable talent, unwavering faith, and gentle spirit, she helped create a musical legacy that forever changed the landscape of American music.
“As an original member of the Chantels, Arlene’s soaring lead vocals brought timeless classics such as ‘Maybe,’ ‘Every Night (I Pray),’ and the heartfelt ‘He’s Gone’ to audiences around the world. The Chantels were one of the first Black female groups to successfully transition into the pop music mainstream, breaking barriers and helping to pave the way for generations of artists who followed. Arlene’s voice carried an emotional depth and authenticity that transcended generations, inspiring countless artists who followed in her footsteps. Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, Arlene was a woman of grace, humility, compassion, and strength. She remained deeply devoted to her faith, family, friends, and the fans who embraced the Chantels throughout the decades.”
When I visited Arlene in the hospital recently, the nurse asked her, “Do you know this woman?” Arlene answered, “Yes, that’s Renee, my little sister.” Sonia and Lois phoned her during this visit. While sitting at her bedside, I fed her lunch and helped her sit up for some water. In and out of sleepiness, she asked, “Are the Chantels still singing?” I replied, “Yes, but we haven’t performed for a while. My daughter Naomi White Randolph joined the group.” Arlene smiled. I also told her to get well soon because we are still waiting to receive the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Award. The Chantels were nominated twice, and the group has received the Rhythm & Blues Award and the UGHA Awards.
As I sat by her bedside, I remembered Arlene coming to my house and asking my mother if I could be in the group. I was 11 years old at the time. The visit also brought back such beautiful memories, including conversations about our futures. I’d shared with her my dream to become a fashion and beauty writer. I could never forget how we all cried during the 52 takes it took to finally record “Maybe.” We were simply too young to experience the womanly feelings that our manager and record producer wanted us to express, yet we sang our hearts out.
In my book, “Maybe: My Memoir,” a story about my life and experiences as one Chantel, I wrote a chapter about the group’s appearance at Jacob’s Field in Cleveland, Ohio, to receive the United Group Harmony Hall of Fame Award. The show’s promoters, including Bill Crosby, son of the late Bing Crosby, were emphatic and insisted that we sing “Maybe” as the Chantels. The world’s top vocal groups wanted to hear our harmony and sound together. I remembered us spending time with Arlene Smith backstage in the dressing room. Mind you, Arlene had left the Chantels in 1959 to become a solo artist. However, for this show, she was a part of the group again.
Backstage in our dressing room, we gave Arlene love and attention, making sure she would feel comfortable on stage with us. We all fussed over her makeup and hair, and offered styling tips. While going over the show, I suggested that she walk out on the runway, which stretched out to the center of the field, closer to the audience. For this show, Arlene dressed in a shimmering copper lamé jacket over black satin pants and a tank top. Her ensemble was perfectly coordinated with our black velvet gowns and gold lamé tops. Our performance of “Maybe” was flawless. After the performance, Arlene turned to us and threw kisses. It was a beautiful, memorable moment. Sonia, Lois, and I looked at each other and agreed, “It doesn’t get better than this.” We have also appeared with Arlene for awards and on PBS specials that often run on Channel 13 and other TV stations throughout the world.
According to three of us, the surviving members of the Chantels: ”Today, we do not simply mourn the loss of an iconic performer — we celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose music gave hope, comfort, and joy to millions. Her influence will forever live on through every artist she inspired and every listener whose heart was moved by her unforgettable voice. Rest in eternal peace, Arlene.”
