Biography
Three promising young women with abundant talent ultimately fell victim to the music business’s harsh realities. As protégées of the Jive Five, Barbara Sullivan, her younger sister Shirley, and Kim Lewis launched their recording careers on Toot Records when “You’re the Cause of It All” created immediate excitement. Observers noted that lead vocalist Sullivan’s timbre blended elements of Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. The Jive Five members coached the trio, shaped their sound, and arranged their initial contract.
Barbara Sullivan entered the world in Augusta, Georgia, yet relocated to New York at age two. Her mother’s church singing provided early inspiration, and the entire Sullivan household—Shirley and four brothers included—joined services and community-center performances. At twelve Barbara began formal vocal instruction while studying piano for three years; she also participated in school choirs and earned the leading role in an operetta. Though she briefly contemplated nursing, her admiration for Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Martha Reeves steered her toward music.
Shirley Sullivan, born in New York, initially dreamed of dressmaking. She enrolled at Fashion Industry High School with plans to open her own shop, yet those ambitions shifted once she teamed with Barbara to create the Lovables. Her listening preferences ranged from Nancy Wilson and Arthur Prysock to the Rascals, while she also appreciated John Coltrane and classical repertoire.
Kim Lewis, a close friend of the Sullivan sisters, sang in her church choir and spent a year performing with the Gospel Twilights, whose members included her sister and cousin. During junior high she joined the Ronettes for two years before that group achieved widespread recognition. After high school she worked as a fashion model and once graced the cover of Nightlife magazine.
Despite early promise, the Lovables never progressed beyond regional success. Their notable sides—“We Got a Need for Each Other,” “Just Beyond My Fingertips,” and “Take Me for a Little While”—were produced by Trade Martin and Ed Miller. Audiences at the Apollo and other New York venues consistently embraced their performances.
Barbara Sullivan entered the world in Augusta, Georgia, yet relocated to New York at age two. Her mother’s church singing provided early inspiration, and the entire Sullivan household—Shirley and four brothers included—joined services and community-center performances. At twelve Barbara began formal vocal instruction while studying piano for three years; she also participated in school choirs and earned the leading role in an operetta. Though she briefly contemplated nursing, her admiration for Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, and Martha Reeves steered her toward music.
Shirley Sullivan, born in New York, initially dreamed of dressmaking. She enrolled at Fashion Industry High School with plans to open her own shop, yet those ambitions shifted once she teamed with Barbara to create the Lovables. Her listening preferences ranged from Nancy Wilson and Arthur Prysock to the Rascals, while she also appreciated John Coltrane and classical repertoire.
Kim Lewis, a close friend of the Sullivan sisters, sang in her church choir and spent a year performing with the Gospel Twilights, whose members included her sister and cousin. During junior high she joined the Ronettes for two years before that group achieved widespread recognition. After high school she worked as a fashion model and once graced the cover of Nightlife magazine.
Despite early promise, the Lovables never progressed beyond regional success. Their notable sides—“We Got a Need for Each Other,” “Just Beyond My Fingertips,” and “Take Me for a Little While”—were produced by Trade Martin and Ed Miller. Audiences at the Apollo and other New York venues consistently embraced their performances.
Albums