Entertainment & Arts

Supremes to Destiny’s to Dolls: Girl group evolution

By Todd Martens and Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers Music tastes and styles may have changed, but one permanent fixture in popular culture over the past five decades is the girl group. It’s the band as concept, and one defined by a uniform look or theme. But how did we get from the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack,” a densely orchestrated tale of teenage tragedy, to the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha,” a dark club tune that preys on our insecurities about superficiality? From the refined to the raunchy, the Chantels to the Spice Girls, here’s a look at some notable girl groups over the years - with some girl bands who copped a thing or two from their more prefab peers thrown in. Read the story: Pussycat Dolls run hurdles in high heels

By Todd Martens and Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

Music tastes and styles may have changed, but one permanent fixture in popular culture over the past five decades is the girl group. It’s the band as concept, and one defined by a uniform look or theme.

But how did we get from the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack,” a densely orchestrated tale of teenage tragedy, to the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha,” a dark club tune that preys on our insecurities about superficiality?

From the refined to the raunchy, the Chantels to the Spice Girls, here’s a look at some notable girl groups over the years - with some girl bands who copped a thing or two from their more prefab peers thrown in.

Read the story: Pussycat Dolls run hurdles in high heels  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

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The Go-Gos

The Go-Go’s

Look: L.A. new wave heroines staying true to their punk roots with spiky hair and wide belts.

Sound: With an emphasis on anthems, they were like punk-rock cheerleaders in the best way.  (Larry Armstrong / Los Angeles Times)

The Donnas

The Donnas

Look: A punk attitude with heavy metal fashions - the high school rebel getting dressed up for Dairy Queen on a Friday night.

Sound: The band started as Ramones meets Kiss. The band has evolved into Kiss meets Ramones.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Destiny's Child

Destiny’s Child

Look: High heels, short dresses and deep V-neck tops. (Very deep Vs). It’s amazing these ladies were able to keep their virginal personas considering the outfits Beyonce’s mom put them in.

Sound: Futuristic R&B with an emphasis on traditional harmonies and girl power.  (Frank Micelotta / Getty Images)

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