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The Three Degrees

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

The Three Degrees is an American female group from Philadelphia, formed around 1963 when the first members were still in high school. Although there have been many singers over the years, the group has always remained a trio. The original members were Fayette Pinkney, Shirley Porter and Linda Turner. In 1963 Janet Harmon and Helen Scott replaced Porter and Turner. The producer and songwriter Richard Barrett discovered them and had them record their first song, Gee Baby (I'm Sorry). In 1966 Sheila Ferguson joined, and in 1967 Valerie Holiday.

Music and breakthrough

That line-up of Pinkney, Holiday and Ferguson became the most successful. In 1974 they sang on TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) by MFSB, which topped the American Hot 100. That same year the group had a big international hit with When Will I See You Again. In Britain the group had thirteen hits in the top fifty between 1974 and 1985. Pinkney left in 1976. In 1979 Woman in Love reached number three in the United Kingdom. Ferguson began a solo career in 1986.

Influence

The Three Degrees stand for the soft, silky side of Philadelphia soul, with three voices that complement each other. Their work brought that American style to a European audience, above all to the British charts.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) and notice the places where the three female voices come in. Can you hear how they complement the orchestra?

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsPhilly soul