Biography
Schoolmates Debbie Swisher and Kaye McCool launched the girl group the Pixies Three in Hanover, PA during 1957. After performing as a duo for several months, they added Midge Bollinger as the third vocalist and honed the graceful three-part harmonies that would define their later successes. The trio spent years playing local parties and social events before signing with Mercury in 1962. Working with producers John Madara and David White, they achieved their debut hit “Birthday Party,” which climbed into the Billboard Top 40 during summer 1963. Following the double-sided release “442 Glenwood Avenue”/“Cold Cold Winter,” Bollinger departed, and Bonnie Long stepped in to record the minor 1964 hit “Gee.” The group’s final chart entry, “It’s Summertime U.S.A.,” preceded their 1965 breakup. Swisher then issued the solo single “You’re So Good to Me” on the Boom label and soon replaced Peggy Santiglia as lead singer of the Angels, cutting four singles for RCA before resuming her solo career in 1968. In 1991 Swisher, McCool, and Long reunited the Pixies Three for a performance at their high-school reunion. The lineup continued to play numerous live shows thereafter and, in 1995, cut a fresh studio album titled Now and Then.
Albums
