Biography
Though Ginny Arnell never attained the widespread familiarity of girl group singers such as Joanie Sommers or Little Peggy March, the single “I Wish I Knew What Dress to Wear” secured her lasting place in the style through its emotional resonance. Her discography actually began earlier, when she partnered with Gene Pitney in the duo Jamie & Jane, whose sides appeared on American Decca near the close of 1959. Returning as a solo artist, she joined MGM Records late in 1963 and issued the self-effacing “Dumb Head,” written by David Hess and Camille Monte, which climbed to national position number 50. Early the following year she released “I Wish I Knew What Dress to Wear” again, this time under the songwriting of Gloria Shayne and Noel Regney and the production of Jim Vienneau and Danny Davis; the record reached number 130 on the charts during April yet registered strongly with devotees of the genre. Arnell’s voice carried an uncommon depth of feeling akin to that of Lesley Gore, converting the outwardly slight lyric into a poignant miniature drama. Despite the modest chart showings of both singles, MGM still placed enough trust in her to issue the complete album Meet Ginny Arnell, which opened with “I Wish I Knew What Dress to Wear” and also contained the earlier release. That album represented her final major work as a recording artist.