The Shaggs

The Shaggs were an American all-female rock group formed in Fremont, New Hampshire in 1968. The band was composed of sisters Dorothy "Dot" Wiggin (vocals/lead guitar), Betty Wiggin (vocals/rhythm guitar), Helen Wiggin (drums), and later Rachel Wiggin (bass).

The Shaggs
OriginFremont, New Hampshire
GenresRock, Pop, Outsider music[1][2]
Years active1968–1975, 1999
LabelsThird World, Red Rooster, Rounder, RCA Victor
Websitehttp://www.theshaggsonline.com
Past membersDorothy "Dot" Wiggin
Helen Wiggin
Betty Wiggin
Rachel Wiggin

The sisters' father, Austin Wiggin, made Dot, Betty and Helen start a band. When Austin was young, his mother had predicted that Austin would have daughters who would be part of a famous music group.

The band's only studio album, Philosophy of the World, was released in 1969. The album was not very well-known, though the band's live performances were popular in their local area. The Shaggs disbanded in 1975 after the death of Austin.

Helen Wiggin died in 2006.[3] The widow of Austin Wiggin, Jr., Annie Wiggin, died in 2005.

Members

  • Dorothy "Dot" Wiggin — vocals, guitar (1968-1975, 1999)
  • Betty Wiggin — guitar, vocals (1968-1975, 1999)
  • Helen Wiggin (deceased) — drums (1968-1975)
  • Rachel Wiggin — bass guitar (1969-1975)
  • Tom Ardolino — drums (1999)

Discography

Studio albums

Collections

  • Shaggs' Own Thing (1982)
  • The Shaggs (1990 - includes all studio recordings)
  • Rev-ola (2004 - imported repackaging of The Shaggs with same track listing)

Tribute albums

V/A compilations

References

  • Chusid, Irwin. Songs in the Key of Z: The Curious Universe of Outsider Music. (Chicago) A Cappella, 2000. ISBN 1556523726.
  • Guralnick, Peter. Da Capo Best Music Writing 2000. (New York) Da Capo Press, 2000. ISBN 0306809990.

Notes

  1. "A New Philosophy: Revisiting the curious tale of The Shaggs". Archived from the original on 2011-05-21. Retrieved 2012-03-09.
  2. "A sweetly 'Shaggs'-adelic tribute to '60s girl group - New York Post". New York Post. 8 June 2011.
  3. "Obituaries for Fri. April 21, 2006". seacoastonline.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2011.

Other websites