During the 1950s and 1960s, when it was common for African Americans to face racism and prejudice, they needed a way to express what they were feeling.  Music was the greatest way to do this, especially in Trenton, New Jersey.  Music kept a lot of people out of gangs and prevented them from living a life of crime because they instead would spend all their time learning how to play different instruments and bringing people together by performing for a lot of different crowds.  During this time “Girl Groups” began to form to give women a chance to get involved in music as well.  They could sing about different topics that reached out to girls such as getting their hearts broken by men.  These groups drew a lot of attention with their performances because they dressed very glamorously and danced along to their songs.  Actually girl groups started to become known for their outlandish glam-outfits.  By 1962, Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles form with members Patti Labelle, Non Hendryx, Sarah Dash, and Cindy Songbird.  Forming from two different groups, the Ordettes and the Del-Capris, this group made a huge impact on the music world.  However these girl groups did not stay together long, and it’s very interesting to see where they are now.  After splitting up, most of the members of the Bluebelles went on to have big solo careers.  Some of them even still perform today, and are very popular in Trenton!  Patti Labelle has even won a Grammy during her solo career.  These performers serve as a reminder of Trenton’s music history, mainly the role music played in allowing everyone to express their feelings without using violence.  Learning more about the girl groups, like the Bluebelles, was important because I wanted to know the impact they had on others, especially other young girls during this time.  They have inspired other girls to get involved in the music industry and follow their dreams.  They set the example that if they could do it, other women, especially African American women, could make it in the music world as well.