The Shaggs were an American all-female rock group formed in Fremont, New Hampshire in 1968. The band was composed of sisters Dorothy "Dot" Wiggin (vocals/lead guitar), Betty Wiggin (vocals/rhythm guitar), Helen Wiggin (drums), and later Rachel Wiggin (bass).
The sisters' father, Austin Wiggin, made Dot, Betty and Helen start a band. When Austin was young, his mother had predicted that Austin would have daughters who would be part of a famous music group.
The band's only studio album, Philosophy of the World, was released in 1969. The album was not very well-known, though the band's live performances were popular in their local area. The Shaggs disbanded in 1975 after the death of Austin.
Helen Wiggin died in 2006. The widow of Austin Wiggin, Jr., Annie Wiggin, died in 2005.
Members
Dorothy "Dot" Wiggin — vocals, guitar (1968-1975, 1999) Betty Wiggin — guitar, vocals (1968-1975, 1999) Helen Wiggin (deceased) — drums (1968-1975) Rachel Wiggin — bass guitar (1969-1975) Tom Ardolino — drums (1999)
Discography
Studio albums
Philosophy of the World (1969)
Collections
Shaggs' Own Thing (1982) The Shaggs (1990 - includes all studio recordings) Rev-ola (2004 - imported repackaging of The Shaggs with same track listing)
Tribute albums
Better Than The Beatles - A Tribute to the Shaggs (2001)
V/A compilations
Songs In The Key of Z - The Curious Universe of Outsider Music (2000)
References
Chusid, Irwin. Songs in the Key of Z: The Curious Universe of Outsider Music. (Chicago) A Cappella, 2000. . Guralnick, Peter. Da Capo Best Music Writing 2000. (New York) Da Capo Press, 2000. .
Notes
Other websites
The Shaggs official website
My Pal Foot-Foot (unofficial site) Variety review of 2003 off-Broadway production Philosophy of the World, by Joy Gregory, based on the Shaggs Obituary for Helen Wiggin Bickford