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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZTHREE DEGREES, TheUS black vocal trio from Philadelphia: Fayette Pinkney, Linda Turner, Shirley Porter, last two replaced '65 by Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday. Minor hits on Swan '65--66; recorded for WB, Metromedia, Neptune (Gamble and Huff), then Roulette: George Goldner's 'Maybe' prod. by Richard Barrett (who'd prod. it for a hit by the Chantels '58) reached top 30 '70; switched to Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International label and had smash 'When Will I See You Again', no. 2 USA '74 and said to be biggest- selling single of the year in UK. Also backed group MFSB on no. 1 USA hit 'TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)' '74; never had any more single hits of their own in USA, but LPs charted: The Three Degrees '74 (top 30), International '75, Live and New Dimensions (on Ariola) '76; singles continued to chart in UK, where they were said to be Prince Charles's favourite act, performed at his 30th birthday party (then he married a Duran Duran fan). Twelve UK hits '74--9 incl. top tens 'Take Good Care Of Yourself' (LP of that title charted), 'Woman In Love' (no. 3), 'My Simple Heart'. They came back '85 with 'The Heaven I Need' on Supreme label. Compilation When Will I See You Again on Columbia/Legacy. Ferguson appeared in flop show Always '97 in London, about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. |