The Jaynetts are an American girl group based in the Bronx, New York. The group's origins can be traced back to 1954 when Zelma "Zell" Sanders produced "Lonely Nights" by a female R&B vocal group called The Hearts. This track became one of the earliest girl-group hits, reaching Number 10 on the US R&B Top 10 in 1955. Sanders subsequently founded her own label, J&S Records, and assembled The Jaynetts, named after adding "J" from J&S to Anetta, the middle name of session vocalist Lezli Valentine. The group's breakthrough came with "I Wanted To Be Free" in 1957. In 1963, The Jaynetts achieved their most significant success with "Sally Go 'Round the Roses", which peaked at Number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This led to a self-titled album release and a tour with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars, which was abruptly canceled due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Following this, The Jaynetts released several more singles and albums under various names before disbanding in 1965. Notable members over the years included Yvonne Bushnell, Ethel Davis, Ada Ray Kelly, Johnnie Louise Richardson, and Mary Sue Wells.
