The Ladybirds

The Ladybirds
The Ladybirds performing on The Benny Hill Show in 1970. Left to right: Marian Davies, Maggie Stredder and Gloria George
Background information
Origin	England
Genres	Popular music
Years active	1962–2005
Labels	Various
Associated acts	The Vernons Girls The Pearls
Past members	Maggie Stredder Marian Davies (deceased) Barbara Moore Gloria George Penny Lister Ann Simmons Laura Lee (deceased) Tracy Miller Joan Baxter Kay Garner (deceased) Vicki Robinson Sylvia King

The Ladybirds were a British female vocal harmony trio, most famous for their appearances on The Benny Hill Show. They participated in over 60 episodes between 1968 and 1991. In addition, they were long-standing backing singers to many established artists, and perennial television performers.

The Ladybirds had their origins in an earlier vocal group, The Vernons Girls. The original troupe disbanded at the start of the 1960s, but a smaller unit carried on, headed by Maureen Kennedy. Most of the other members performed as duets and singing trios. Amongst them were 'The Redmond Twins', 'The Breakaways', 'The Pearls', 'The DeLaine Sisters', and the longest surviving and best known, The Ladybirds. Founding member Maggie Stredder and Jean Ryder, billed as The Two Tones, appeared at United States Air Force bases in Germany, before returning to the UK to join Max Bygraves on stage. In 1962, following an appearance on the Val Doonican TV Special, Marian Davies had replaced Ryder, plus Gloria George was added, and The Ladybirds were born.

After signing to Decca Records in August 1965, Marc Bolan recorded his debut single. The Ladybirds sang backing vocals, while apart from Bolan's vocals, all other music was created by studio session musicians. "The Wizard" was released on 19 November 1965.

In 1966, The Ladybirds were recruited to provide vocal backing on BBC Television's Top of the Pops programme. They continued in this role until 10 August 1978, when they were replaced a week later by The Maggie Stredder Singers. They also appeared on a number of Twiggy's television shows. The same year they sang as backing singers on the Mood Mosaic track "A Touch of Velvet – A Sting of Brass" – later to become Radio Caroline disc jockey Dave Lee Travis' (DLT) signature tune.