The Chantels are an American girl group, prominently known for their work in the doo-wop genre during the late 1950s. Their distinctive sound, characterized by the lead vocals of Arlene Smith and harmonies from the ensemble, significantly contributed to the early development of the girl-group sound. Their hit song "Maybe," released in 1958, is often cited as one of the pioneering works of the genre. The Chantels' influence on the music industry is profound, as they paved the way for other girl groups in the following decades.