The Shirelles celebrate 50 years in music

NASHVILLE, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The Shirelles are celebrating half a century in the music business with a 2008 U.S. concert tour, organizers said Friday.

The iconic pop group's 50th anniversary tour, aptly named "50 Years & Still Fabulous," is under way and includes stops in Atlantic City, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

The group is known for its hits "Soldier Boy," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "Dedicated To The One I Love," "Mama Said" and "Baby, It's You," and their songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists, including The Beatles, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton and The Yardbirds, The Mamas & the Papas and Smokey Robinson.

"As school girls in Passaic, New Jersey, we never dreamed our songs would touch the hearts of millions," Beverly Lee -- one of the two living original Shirelles and keeper of The Shirelles trademark -- said in a statement. "We have been blessed to perform for presidents, kings and prime ministers, and most importantly, for millions of fans around the world. Fifty is indeed fabulous."