Rosetta Hightower

Lead singer, The Orlons[7]

What is Rosetta Hightower known for?

Born June 23, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rosetta Jeanette Hightower was an acclaimed American singer known for her contribution to the R&B and pop genres. Rosetta was the lead vocalist of the 1960s girl group, The Orlons. In their prime, The Orlons recorded multiple Top 10 U.S. hits from 1962 to 1964, including "The Wah-Watusi," "Don't Hang Up," "South Street," and "Not Me".

The Orlons also contributed backing vocals to the tracks "Mashed Potato Time" and "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" by Dee Dee Sharp, both of which achieved considerable chart success. The group had their first major gig at New York's Apollo Theatre and performed alongside The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans, Chuck Jackson, Tommy Hunt, and Gene Chandler.

Around the late 1960s, Rosetta Hightower departed from The Orlons to embark on her solo career, mainly in the UK. She joined the elite squad of female session singers who provided backing vocals for many iconic hit songs. This circle consisted of singers like Madeline Bell, Lesley Duncan, Kiki Dee, and Sue and Sunny. One of her notable collaborations came with Joe Cocker on his "With a Little Help From My Friends" album.

She moved permanently to England in 1970, marrying musician-producer Ian Green, and eventually represented the United States in the first-ever international singing contest held in Belgium. Thereafter, she had several singles and two albums under her belt. In 1971, she lent her vocals to John Lennon's "Power to the People".

Rosetta Hightower Green passed away on August 2, 2014, in Clapham, London, leaving behind a sound legacy. Her son, Ian Green, Jr., continues the family tradition in music and serves as the main co-producer and remixer for Paul Oakenfold.