The Modelles

The Modelles were regularly performing in England and Scotland from 1965-68 “These girls sound like a cross between the Beverley Sisters and the McGuire Sisters – yet they have a sweet, melodic sound of their own. If their first record doesn’t make the charts, I’ll eat my hat!” [Albert Bonici – “It’s Great Being A Girl” 8 Oct 1965] Promoter Bonici hosted dozens of female entertainers between the mid ’50s and the 1970s and supported the careers of several though the only all “girl group” in his sable were The Modelles. Unfortunately, I think that “uncle Albert” may have had to eat his hat when the popular group didn’t gain the recording career he had hoped for them.

The Modelles with Two Red Shoes bandleader, Alex. Sutherland

The Modelles began their career as a trio act in 1964 playing local dance halls near the Scottish boarder with England. Frankie and Maggie who attended school together, eventual met up with Vikki when she was age 15 (five years younger than the other girls). “Originally, it was Frankie and Maggi who were a singing duo in a Hamilton ballroom, but at a talent contest there, Vickie impressed the management and the Modelles were formed.” A year later, they were already gaining in popularity in the UK under the direction of impresario Albert Bonici… “They came under the management of Mr Albert Bonici, Elgin, and in July I reported: The Modelles could be the singing sensation of the year… The fantastic harmony and sweetness in their numbers that impressed me also impressed the record chiefs.” See Evening Express newspaper article [bottom of post]

Having learned about the girls from a talent scout, Mr. Bonici looked after various aspects of Modelles including further musical training and developing their repertoire with Elgin band leader, Tommy Sampson. “The Modelles don’t quite know how to describe their style. They sing anything that harmonises. Pops, standards. And another type of number which has recently been taking even them by surprise – Scottish tunes. Bandleader Tommy Sampson, arranged a medley of old favorites, like The Skye Boat Song – to see how it would fit their act. The medley has had such astonishing sccess in England, in the unlikely context of clubland, that it is now elevated to their finale showpeice. Record company men sitting in at the girl’s 2 AM spot to gauge audience reaction, have already discussed the possibility of including Scots material in a recording session. The old stuff could make the charts yet… through three ideal ambassadors.” [Demod Hill “Ticket to the Top”]

Keen to create a “mod” look for the three young ladies from Barrhead [near Glasgow], Albert organised several photo shoots including makeup, hair, and clothes [as he did the year with other acts]. Between their tour dates, the three rented a shared flat in Manchester so they can manage gigs in England without being too far from family in Scotland.

Though performing beat tunes with harmonies, they adapted various styles including Scottish tunes. Besides rigorously touring the UK playing in top venues around London, they worked in cabaret and theatre productions.

In 1965, the melodic trio known as The Modelles were establishing their career in the UK after several months of performing in dance halls and clubs in England. Under the management of Albert Bonici they received music training with Thomas Douglas Sampson, a bandleader who increased their repertoire to include Scottish tunes besides popular music of the time. Frances “Franki” Elliott and Margaret “Maggi” Burke Cafferty began singing together as school girls but had the idea to form a trio when they met Isobelle “Vikki” Lockhart. Vikki, lead singer, was 16 when this photo was taken in 1965.

Modelles standing in matching dresses in this 26 August 1965 TV Times. Nigel Benson of The Evening Express [Aberdeen August 16, 1965] wrote: ‘”Johnny and the Copycats join the Adam Faith one-nighter Scottish tour at Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge Palais on August 18… Also joining the show that night will be the three Modelles – who caused quite a stir when they appeared on TV’s “Words and Music” last weekend.”‘

The Modelles look changed after Albert Bonici agreed to work with the vocalists though didn’t see their act until several weeks later. Vikki Lockhart was just 15 when she began singing harmonies with Maggi and Franki who were age 20.

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Albert Bonici arranged several photo shoots for the Modelles and helped them towards getting a recording contract with CBS [American corporation] with the hope recording in London. They also appeared on BBC’s Scottish pop show “Come Thursday” besides “Top of the North” [Evening Express]

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Lori Stevens: AKA Isobel “Vickie” Lockhart circa 1968.
Eithne Alexander, another vocalist promoted by Mr. Bonici, joined the Modelles for a brief stint before the Modelles disbanded.

TOMMY SAMPSON DVD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6JWZoXZQMA Tommy Sampson, who served with CBS and coached The Modelles, “worked with many stars of stage and television, including Audrey Hepburn, Frankie Vaughan, Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, Joe Loss and Billy Connolly.” https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12374029.tommy-sampson/
TOMMY Sampson was often billed as “Scotland’s King of Swing” https://www.kinemagigz.com/’s’.htm#The_Tommy_Sampson_Orchestra.__

By 1966, the group had gained public exposure throughout the UK on television and press.

Maggi, Vikki, and Franki having a laugh

About scotbeat

SCOTBEAT and http://bonici.wordpress.com includes photos and documents from the Bonici Archives with permission from the Bonici family [PC Holding Co]. You may contact me at dillsdavid@yahoo.co.uk for consent in using images for media projects. Am currently updating http://djdills.wordpress.com with original new collages. #collageart #beatmusic #popmusic #1960smusic

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Tagged with: 1966, Albert Bonici, Barrhead, Frankie, Glasgow, Magi, Manchester, Modelles, The Modelles, Vicki, Vikki
Posted in 1960's pop music