Joanie Sommers

• Link

singer
actress

About Joanie Sommers

Joanie Sommers: From Buffalo Beginnings to “The Voice of the Sixties”

Born on February 24, 1941, in Buffalo, NY, Joanie Sommers grew up in a modest household that set the stage for her remarkable rise in the music industry. Known as “The Voice of the Sixties,” Sommers carved out a unique place in the worlds of jazz and popular music with her warm vocals and natural charisma. From her early days singing in church to her breakout hit “Johnny Get Angry,” her career is a testament to talent, grit, and the power of reinvention.

Early Life in Buffalo

Joanie Sommers was born Joan Drost in Buffalo, where her passion for music took root. Singing in church as a young girl, she found an escape from a challenging childhood and discovered her calling. At just 10 years old, she showcased this talent on a local TV program with a rendition of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” winning a talent contest that hinted at the stardom that lay ahead.

Growing up in North Tonawanda, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, Sommers continued to nurture her love of music. However, her family relocated to Venice, California, when she was 14, a move that would prove pivotal in jumpstarting her career. While attending Venice High School, Sommers’ talent for singing earned her local accolades, and her performances at school events caught the attention of influential figures in the music industry.

Rising Star

Sommers’ big break came when she performed with Tommy Oliver’s band, leading to a demo recording that landed her a deal with Warner Brothers Records. From the beginning, it was clear she had a voice fit for both jazz ballads and pop hits. Her debut single, “One Boy,” from the musical Bye Bye Birdie, gave her a taste of the charts in the early 1960s. But it was her 1962 smash hit, “Johnny Get Angry,” that catapulted her into the national spotlight. The song, an upbeat yet angst-filled anthem about young love, climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. While it was a stylistic departure from her jazz roots, its infectious energy made her a household name.

The massive success of “Johnny Get Angry” led to television appearances on popular variety shows, performances at major venues like New York’s Left Bank Club, and more recordings. Although the song became her signature tune, Sommers often reflected on the irony of being most remembered for a pop hit when she had spent her career excelling in jazz and standards.

The Face (and Voice) of Pepsi

While her music career flourished, Joanie Sommers became a marketing icon through her work with Pepsi. Singing jingles like “Now It’s Pepsi for Those Who Think Young” and “Come Alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation,” she brought youthful energy and charm to the brand, solidifying her place in the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s. The role earned her the nickname “The Pepsi Girl,” and these peppy, memorable spots ingrained her image in millions of households.

Contributions to Jazz and Popular Music

Beyond “Johnny Get Angry” and her Pepsi fame, Sommers built a lasting reputation as an exceptional vocalist in jazz and pop circles. Throughout the early 1960s, she worked with world-class arrangers like Neil Hefti, Bobby Troup, and Marty Paich to refine her sound. Albums like Positively the Most! and Softly, the Brazilian Sound showcased her versatility, moving seamlessly between lush rhythms, heartfelt ballads, and intricate jazz standards. Her collaborations with top-tier musicians cemented her status as a talent to be reckoned with, even as rock and roll dominated airwaves.

Despite her successes, Joanie Sommers struggled to find long-term commercial momentum. Shifting musical trends and shifts in marketing made it hard for jazz-centric artists like her to maintain top billing. Nevertheless, her work has become a favorite among collectors and music scholars who value her artistry and the timeless quality of her recordings.

A Life of Resilience and Reinvention

Like many performers of her era, Sommers eventually stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her personal life. After the death of her first husband, Jerry Steiner, she devoted much of her time to raising their three children. By the 1980s, however, Sommers made a quiet return to music, performing at select venues and recording a handful of albums, including A Fine Romance in 1992.

Her influence extended beyond her own discography. Sommers became an inspiration for younger jazz and pop vocalists, who admired her ability to adapt to multiple genres while staying true to her talent. Her music continues to resonate with fans thanks to reissues of her older work and fresh compilations that introduce her radiant sound to new generations.

Legacy of “The Voice of the Sixties”

Today, Joanie Sommers remains an enduring figure in the history of American music, admired for her genuinely warm voice and versatility as an artist. From her youth in Buffalo to nationwide acclaim as a singer and commercial icon, her life is a celebration of talent, creativity, and perseverance.

For those who haven’t explored her catalog beyond “Johnny Get Angry,” her discography offers a treasure trove of performances in jazz and pop standards—works that beautifully showcase a voice that resonates with emotion and sophistication. It’s safe to say that music lovers who revisit Joanie Sommers today will, to borrow from her first album title, find her to be “positively the most.” high, work hard, and never give up.