The Puppini Sisters: The Vintage Harmony Revival
The Puppini Sisters are a British vocal trio renowned for their modern, high-energy take on 1940s close-harmony swing. Formed in London in 2004, the group has carved a unique niche by blending classic jazz standards with unexpected pop and rock covers. Their debut album, Betcha Bottom Dollar, achieved gold certification in the UK, signaling a successful revival of the classic vocal group sound.
Early career
The group was formed by Marcella Puppini after she was inspired by the film The Triplets of Belleville. She recruited Kate Mullins and Stephanie O'Brien, who were studying together at the Trinity College of Music. The trio quickly developed a signature style, combining intricate Andrews Sisters-style harmonies with a contemporary punk cabaret energy. Their early performances in London clubs led to a recording contract with the independent label Verve Forecast, a division of Universal Music Group.
Breakthrough
The Puppini Sisters' breakthrough came with their 2006 debut album, Betcha Bottom Dollar. The album mixed wartime classics like Mr. Sandman with surprising renditions of pop hits like Blondie's Heart of Glass. This fusion captured public attention, propelling the album to number 11 on the UK Jazz & Blues chart and earning it a gold certification. Their vibrant live shows and distinctive 1940s-inspired fashion solidified their reputation as leaders of the retro swing revival movement.
Key tracks
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy — Their powerful cover of this Andrews Sisters staple became an instant signature, perfectly showcasing their harmonic precision and energetic delivery.
Spooky — This track from their second album, The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo, demonstrated their skill at reinventing 1960s pop classics with a jazzy, vampish twist.
Jilted — An original composition from their album Hollywood, it proved The Puppini Sisters were not just interpreters but compelling songwriters in the classic style.
Walk Like an Egyptian — Their swing adaptation of The Bangles' hit exemplifies their trademark genre-blending approach, bringing a big band swagger to 1980s new wave.
I Will Survive — A campy, defiant version of the Gloria Gaynor disco anthem, it became a fan favorite and a highlight of their dynamic stage performances.
Following their initial success, The Puppini Sisters released subsequent albums including The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo (2007) and Hollywood (2011). They have collaborated with artists like Michael Bublé on the single Jingle Bells and performed at major events including the Glastonbury Festival. The group's lineup has evolved over the years, with Emma Smith joining as a member, but their core mission of revitalizing classic harmony has remained constant.
Fans of The Puppini Sisters' vintage pop style may also enjoy the sophisticated harmonies of Postmodern Jukebox, which similarly reimagines modern songs in classic genres. The theatrical flair of The New Vaudeville Band shares a whimsical, retro-inspired sensibility. For more contemporary vocal jazz, explore the work of The Staves, who offer intricate folk-inflected harmonies. The swing revival energy can also be found in the music of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a leading force in the 1990s swing resurgence.
The music of The Puppini Sisters receives regular airplay on vintage swing radio stations, classic pop FM channels, and online radio streams dedicated to jazz and revivalist genres. Their unique blend of nostalgia and modern pop sensibility makes them a perfect fit for stations programming timeless vocal music with a twist. Independent music radio stations often feature their tracks in specialty shows focusing on cabaret and alternative jazz.
Listeners can discover the vibrant sound of The Puppini Sisters on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their iconic harmonies and experience their unique contribution to the modern swing revival.
