User:Charleneduncan

The Cokettes - aka - Coquettes originated in Cleveland, Ohio as four high school friends. Formed after winning a Department of Defense and Coca-Cola talent contest back in the early 1950's, the girls soon acquired their own radio show sponsored by the May Company Department Store. Between 1954 and 1958, they became goodwill ambassadors to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. For their outstanding musical entertainment for the United States Armed Forces, they were presented with medals and certificates of esteem from the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense. They also presented the "Key to the City of Cleveland" to many dignitaries of foreign countries.

In 1958, Mitch Miller produced their first Columbia recording, "The Music Goes Round and Round," arranged by the Ray Conniff Orchestra. The record was debuted on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and followed with an appearance on "Dick Clark's American Bandstand." Promotional tours throughout the U.S. were scheduled with Johnny Mathis and Leslie Uggams.

Joann "Bon" Bongiorno and the Coquettes emerged as a vocal and instrumental quartet and increased their numbers of performers to eight from 1954 to 2003. They mastered over 21 different instruments. During their performance they incorporated ballads, swing, jazz, rock'n roll, country, and comedy. This multifaceted group still lives in Las Vegas, NV and performs on occasions for special events.