The Socialites

1964, (clockwise from top), Gloria Meggett, Sandra Durant, Lorraine Anthanio, Eloise Covington
While still in High School the Socialites singing talents were being noticed

The Socialites  and Sunny and the Horizon
(L-R) Linda Anthanio, Eloise Covington, Gloria Meggett, Delores Rainey and Kym Trant
Photo courtesy  Lorraine Anthanio Lofaso

The Socialites were from Grace Dodge High School in the Bronx and formed around 1960. The group consisted of Lorraine Anthanio, Eloise Covington, Gloria Meggett, Delores Rainey Kym Trant. Anthanio, Trant and Covington had previously attended Junior High School 40 together where they had become friends while singing in the glee club.

Upon entering high school they again entered the glee club. Later Meggett and Rainey joined with the girls to form the Socialites. Singing the popular songs of the day< one day the girls sing at the schools weekly assembly. Just sophomores or juniors the girls were to sing for the seniors assembly where they did "Down the Aisle of Love."

After this the group began performing more and more, not only at school, but as part of a youth organization tour too. Appearing at record hops and summer concerts the group would perform at three and four events daily. At the suggestion of a classmate that occasionally played piano for the group they went to see Joe Simmons. Simmons was a songwriter and producer that was associate with Arrawak Records a local Bronx label.

At the suggestion of a classmate that occasionally played piano for the group they went to see Joe Simmons. Simmons was a songwriter and producer that was associate with Arrawak Records a local Bronx label.

Securing an audition, they journeyed to Manhattan where they sang "Jimmy" and "The Click", both written by Lorraine, for Simmons. Thoroughly impressed, Simmons recorded the songs and they were released in 1962. While at 1650 Broadway (the Brill Building) they met Brooklyn songwriter Joe De Anglis who became the group's manager. De Angilis proved to be a fair and earnest business man making sure the Socialites got paid and that people didn't bother them. In the meantime "Jimmy" was receiving local airplay and the Socialites were busy playing locally.

Socialites with manager/songwriter Joe De Angelis, 1962
(L-R) Joe De Angelis, Lorraine Anthanio, Delores Rainey, Kym Trant, Eloise Covington, Gloria Meggett
(photo courtesy Lorraine Anthanio Lofaso)

Securing an audition, they journeyed to Manhattan where they sang "Jive Jimmy" and "The Click", both written by Lorraine, for Simmons. Thoroughly impressed, Simmons recorded the songs and they were released in 1962. While at 1650 Broadway (the Brill Building) they met Brooklyn songwriter Joe De Anglis who became the group's manager. De Angilis proved to be a fair and earnest business man making sure the Socialites got paid and that people didn't bother them. In the meantime "Jimmy" was receiving local airplay and the Socialites were busy playing locally.

In 1963 the group moved to Mercury Records. Re-named Lorraine and the Socialites the recorded "The Conqueror." The was popular in New York and the group continued making appearances around New York. Kym who was married and in nursing school found the demands on her time to be to great and left the group.

The last Socialite single was "You're Losing Your Touch" for Warner Brothers in 1964. Continuing to make live appearances in 1964 and 1965. By this time Delores had left and been replaced by Sandra Durant. They also appeared at the New York World's Fair.

As time went on all the girls married and eventually other interests cause the group to disband. Kym Trant went into nursing and Lorraine Anthanio into the oil industry. Gloria Meggett became a professional dancer. She also managed and owned two night clubs.

In 1963 the group moved to Mercury Records. Re-named Lorraine and the Socialites the recorded "The Conqueror." The was popular in New York and the group continued making appearances around New York. Kym who was married and in nursing school found the demands on her time to be to great and left the group. The last Socialite single was "You're Losing Your Touch" for Warner Brothers in 1964. Continuing to make live appearances in 1964 and 1965. By this time Delores had left and been replaced by Sandra Durant. They also appeared at the New York World's Fair.

All the Socialites got married and and their attention was drawn to other parts of their lives. Kymberly sang at weddings and other occasions and is active in her church as the Children's Choir Director. Lorraine work within the oil industry. Gloria became a professional dancer and managed and owned two nightclubs. She is now a social worker for NYC. Lorraine attended the Juilliard School of Music where she studied voice, opera and musical theater. Gloria moved out of state.