Information/Write-up
An elusive gem from the golden age of Canadian soul, Foolish Girl b/w Surprise by The Tiaras is one of those rare 45s whose scarcity is matched only by its historical importance. Released in 1968 on the tiny Op-Art label, the single showcases a Toronto-based girl group that included future Canadian music royalty: Jackie Richardson, Brenda Russell, Colina Phillips, and Arlene Trotman. Though they left behind only a handful of recordings, The Tiaras' legacy lives on thanks to their remarkable later careers and the enduring appeal of this overlooked soul classic.
At the heart of the Tiaras' story is songwriter and producer Al Rain, who encountered the teenage singers at Art Snider's studio on Eglinton Avenue in Toronto. Impressed by their talent and energy, Rain began a months-long mentorship, teaching them harmony and stagecraft. His efforts paid off in spades. Though Jackie Richardson once admitted she "couldn’t really sing" at the start and had to earn her place as a choreographer, she quickly blossomed under Rain's guidance—a testament to the group's commitment and Rain’s nurturing.
“Foolish Girl,” the A-side, is a wistful, harmony-rich ballad that captures the innocence and ache of young love. But it’s the B-side, “Surprise,” that detonates with full northern soul power—a brass-laden, backbeat-driven stunner that could easily have emerged from Hitsville USA. Its dancefloor fire was mostly unknown until British DJ Andy Dyson uncovered a copy around 2003, sparking interest among collectors. Since then, only a handful of copies have surfaced, most traced to Toronto dealer Martin Koppel’s inner circle. Its Canadian origins—and likely minuscule pressing run—ensure it remains one of the country's most coveted soul records.
Some mystery has long surrounded whether Pat Hervey, then under contract to Red Leaf, might have moonlighted on the Op-Art session as an uncredited vocalist. While not pictured in official promo materials, Hervey was involved with Al Rain projects during this period, and her possible cameo remains a tantalizing footnote.
The Tiaras also cut “Where Does All the Time Go?” for Barry Records, likely during the same sessions in New York that Rain arranged. While that 45 is easier to find and has its own charm, it doesn’t match the kinetic punch of “Surprise.” There are also whispers of a third 45, Right On, which collectors suspect is tied to the group, though documentation is sparse.
What sets the Tiaras apart isn’t just the music—it’s the trajectory of its members. Jackie Richardson went on to become one of Canada’s most revered vocalists and actors, earning a Gemini Award in 2010. Brenda Russell, born in Brooklyn but raised in Hamilton, Ontario, became a global name with hits like “So Good, So Right” (1979) and the Grammy-nominated “Piano in the Dark” (1988). Colina Phillips later joined the renowned vocal trio The Arrows and became an in-demand session singer, while Arlene Trotman also pursued a career in music and television.
For collectors, Foolish Girl / Surprise stands as a high-water mark of Canadian soul. For historians, it’s a vivid reminder of the vibrant, if under-documented, R&B scene in Toronto during the late 1960s. And for listeners, it’s simply a joy—rare, radiant, and worth every spin.
-Robert Williston
Written by Al Rain
Arranged and conducted by Art Snider
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