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Destiny's Child

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Destiny's Child came into being in 1990 in Houston, Texas. Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson were in a girl group that performed with rap and dance at talent shows in the city. Kelly Rowland, who was then living in Beyoncé's home, joined in 1992. Under the name Girl's Tyme they lost a national television talent contest. After that Beyoncé's father Mathew Knowles became their manager. He cut the group back to four members, with LeToya Luckett as the fourth. In 1996 they signed to Columbia as Destiny's Child.

Music and breakthrough

The first hit was No, No, No. The second album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), became their best-selling record, with the American number ones Bills, Bills, Bills and Say My Name. Behind the scenes there was friction: Roberson and Luckett felt that the manager favoured his daughter and Rowland, and in 2000 they were replaced. Michelle Williams stayed, and from then on the group was a trio. Survivor (2001) processed those conflicts and produced the hits Independent Women and Bootylicious. After a break for solo projects, Destiny Fulfilled followed in 2004, and in 2006 the group officially disbanded.

Influence

Destiny's Child was known for its tight harmonies, polished performances and lyrics about independent, strong women. The group played a major part in the return of girl groups in the 1990s and helped shape the half-sung, half-rapped vocal style of modern r&b. Destiny's Child is one of the best-selling girl groups in history.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Say My Name (1999). Notice the quick, rhythmic way of singing, almost rapping, in the verses, and the shifting beat on which the three voices alternate and complement one another.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists