TAREEL TUNES Story by: Gail Nobles Music written by: Gail Nobles with AI Assistance Song: Toy Stomp Shop Lyrics written by: Gail Nobles © 2026 Hand Claps & Vocals by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain Todays topic: The Toys Toy - The Toys Stomp - The dance beat Shop - a little musical place where the fun is happening. You're listening to Tar Heel Tunes on Multi-Tunes. Did you know that two members of the 1960s pop girl group The Toys were born in North Carolina? Today, we’re talking about The Toys — the American pop girl group from Jamaica, Queens, New York, formed in 1961. The group became known for their bright, catchy sound and their biggest hit, “A Lover’s Concerto,”released in 1965. The song became a major success, selling more than two million copies and reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. But here’s something you might not know. Although The Toys were based in New York, two of the three members were born in North Carolina. The trio consisted of: Barbara Harris, born Barbara Ann Harris on August 18, 1945, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Barbara Parritt, born October 1, 1944, in Wilmington, North Carolina. And June Montiero, born July 1, 1946, in Queens, New York. So when you hear the voices of The Toys, you’re hearing a group with a special connection between New York and North Carolina. The group formed in 1961 and remained together until 1968, leaving behind a memorable place in 1960s pop and soul music. And their signature recording, “A Lover’s Concerto,” continues to introduce new generations to the sound of The Toys. Two of the three Toys were North Carolina-born. That’s a little piece of Carolina music history hiding inside a 1960s pop hit. I’m Gail Nobles. And that’s today’s story about The Toys. Tunes That Talk This episode includes AI-generated content.
