The Lovelites

Chicago-based female soul trio

The Lovelites were a Chicago, Illinois female soul trio, active from 1967 until 1975. Their first hit was “How Can I Tell My Mom & Dad” in 1969. Though it was never directly stated in the song, its implicit theme was teen pregnancy and abortion, still regarded then as a fate worse than death in many circles. Patti Hamilton, her sister Rozena Petty, and Barbara Peterman formed the original group, with Ardell McDaniel replacing Peterman in 1968. Deniece Williams was also briefly a member but left when asked to join Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove. Joni Berlman replaced Petty in 1970, and Rhonda Grayson replaced McDaniel in 1971. The first single did well enough for the group to start its own label, Lovelite Records, in 1970. It continued until 1973, while one single from their label made the R&B Top 40, “My Conscience,” in 1971. They disbanded in 1973.