INTERVIEWS
June Millington Photo by Marita Madeloni
Fanny’s June and Jean Millington: the Ultimate Bass and Guitar Sisterhood
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By Caroline Pizzo
efore the Bangles, the Runaways, and even Heart, there was Fanny. In 1969, they were the first all-girl rock group to release an album on a major label. The groundbreaking lineup challenged conventions about what women in music could accomplish. They plugged in and let it roll with melodic, harmony-rich tunes and catchy hooks. Songs “You’re the One” and “Special Care” have a rare heart-and-soul that still holds up today.
a determination more than the average kid pursuing a hobby. “We needed to do it,” she said in between running her music foundation and visiting her sister (who is recovering from a stroke).
Originally from the Philippines, the Millington sisters moved to Sacramento, California, in 1961 where they would make their mark like other female musical pioneers the Persuaders, Goldie
From playing ukuleles (in their home of Manila) then acoustic guitars and eventually electric, they went on to release five albums. Career highlights include touring with big name acts such as the Kinks, Humble Pie, Deep
and the Gingerbreads, and the Pleasure Seekers. When guitarist June Millington first started jamming with her younger sister (bassist Jean), she possessed
guitargirlmag.com Guitar Girl Magazine 57
