The Three Degrees

The Three Degrees is an American female vocal group formed circa 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although 16 women have been members over the years, the group has always been a trio. The current line-up consists of Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday, and Freddi Poole. The group were particularly successful in the UK, achieving 13 Top 50 hit singles between 1974 and 1985.

The original members were Fayette Pinkney, Shirley Porter and Linda Turner. Porter and Turner were soon replaced by Janet Harmon and Helen Scott. The line-up from 1967 to 1976 was Pinkney, Valerie Holiday and Sheila Ferguson, who would go on to sing lead on most of the group's biggest hits. This line-up topped the US Hot 100 as featured vocalists on the MFSB single " TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)" in 1974, and had seven UK Top 40 hits, including the 1974 single " When Will I See You Again", which was a huge international hit, reaching the Top 5 in seven countries, including number two in the US and topping the UK Singles Chart. When Pinkney left the group in 1976, she was replaced by a returning Helen Scott. This line-up had four UK Top 20 hits, including " Woman in Love", which reached number three in 1979. Ferguson left for a solo career in 1986.

The group's most stable line-up was from 1989 to 2010, with Cynthia Garrison joining Holiday and Scott. They achieved a final UK chart entry, reaching number 54 in 1998 with a dance cover of " Last Christmas". Garrison left the band at the end of 2010 due to health reasons, and was replaced by Freddi Poole in 2011. The group's 2016 album, ''Strategy: Our Tribute to Philadelphia'', was their first studio album release with Poole as a member. Having been in the Group continuously since 1967, Valerie Holiday is the longest serving Degree with almost 56 years of continuous service to her name.

Career

1960s

The Three Degrees were formed around 1963 in Philadelphia according to founder member, the late Fayette Pinkney: "it's about '63, last year in high school...and it was fun!". They were discovered by producer and songwriter Richard Barrett, who produced the original line-up on their first song, "Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)", for Swan Records, in 1965. Turner and Porter both left the group, leaving Fayette Pinkney the only original member. They were eventually replaced by Helen Scott and Janet Harmon Barrett also became manager of Sheila Ferguson, who had been friends with Scott since high school. Barrett signed Ferguson to Swan Records in 1965. The Three Degrees released a number of singles, including "I'm Gonna Need You" and a cover version of " Maybe" in 1966. Fayette, Janet and Helen were often joined by Sheila on their Swan recordings and the Group often backed Sheila on her solo records during that time.

When Scott left the group in 1966 to start a family, Ferguson filled in for her. She remained for 20 years and was lead singer on most of the group's best-selling tracks. Harmon left by 1967 and after Sundray Tucker and Sonia Goring came and went, she was eventually replaced by Valerie Holiday. Barrett signed them to recording contracts over the next three years with Warner Bros., Metromedia, and Neptune record labels, the latter owned by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who would work with the group five years later. The group's close harmony singing made them a popular nightclub act, but a hit record still eluded them.

1970s

By 1970, they were signed to Roulette Records and they released their first album, ''Maybe''. The title song, this time with Valerie Holiday taking the lead, took them to No. 4 on the US R&B chart. The singles, "I Do Take You" and "You're the Fool" followed, as did their second album, ''So Much Love''. This success landed them a cameo appearance in the 1971 film, '' The French Connection'', where they performed a cover of Jimmy Webb's "Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon", filmed during one of their appearances at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City.

In 1973, when their contract with Roulette ended, Barrett signed them to Philadelphia International Records under Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, where they had their greatest successes. The first song they recorded for the label was with the studio band MFSB, titled " TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)", which was the theme song for '' Soul Train''. In October 1973, the group also made an appearance on the American television sitcom '' Sanford and Son'' (season 3, episode 4), singing their song "I Didn't Know".

Their first album for the Philadelphia International label, '' The Three Degrees'', spawned three hits: "Dirty Ol' Man" (which went gold in the Netherlands and Belgium), "Year Of Decision" (which made it to No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart), but it was the third single, " When Will I See You Again", that propelled the trio into the mainstream. It topped the UK Chart for two weeks in August 1974 (the first time this had been achieved by an all-female group since The Supremes in 1964,) and became the fourth best-selling single of the year. It also reached No. 2 in the US, where it sold over two million copies and earned the trio a gold record in December 1974 (at that time, Platinum certifications had not been assigned to singles).

The Three Degrees also recorded two live albums: one in Leicester in the UK, and the other in Tokyo in Japan, and released both in 1975. The trio's second studio album for the Philadelphia label, ''The Three Degrees International'', was marketed internationally under different titles and in various languages. In Continental Europe, it was called ''With Love'', and it spawned the hit single "Take Good Care Of Yourself", which reached the UK Top 10. The UK release of the album was actually titled ''Take Good Care Of Yourself'' and peaked at No. 6 in the UK Albums Chart, their highest ever chart placing for an album there. Two other songs from the album were big successes in Japan: "Midnight Train" and "", the latter having been recorded in Japanese.

In 1976, the Three Degrees parted company with Gamble and Huff and moved to CBS Sony/Epic Records where they released the concept album, ''A Toast Of Love'', purely for the Far East market, although a single of the title track was released internationally. In 1976, Fayette Pinkney was replaced by former band member Helen Scott. The album, ''Standing Up For Love'', released in 1977 was their last release for CBS/Epic.

In 1978, The Three Degrees signed to Ariola Records in Europe and the US and began working with Giorgio Moroder, who had become famous as a disco producer following his work with Donna Summer. Further success was to follow, and they released two disco-styled albums on Ariola (''New Dimensions'' in 1978, and '' 3D'' in 1979) which delivered four UK Top 20 hits between them: "Givin' Up Givin' In", " Woman in Love", "The Runner" and "My Simple Heart". The group performed for Prince Charles at his 30th birthday party in 1978, and were guests at the pre-wedding party for his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Their own television special, '' The Three Degrees at The Royal Albert Hall'' (aka ''An Evening with The Three Degrees''), was recorded in October 1979 in which the trio were backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

1980s

In 1980, the compilation album ''Gold'' was released and became a UK Top 10 hit. Featuring one side of their hits on the Ariola label between 1978 and 1979, and one side of live recordings from their 1979 Royal Albert Hall television special, this would be the trio's second "best of" compilation to make the UK Top 10 in less than two years, after CBS released ''A Collection of their 20 Greatest Hits'' in early 1979 (which featured their pre-Ariola material, and peaked at number 8 in the UK Albums Chart).

Between 1982 and 1985, The Three Degrees released two albums on their own 3D label; ''Album of Love'' and ''Live in the UK''. On that label they also released "Liar", a single written by Sheila Ferguson. A third BBC Television show was also recorded in 1982, titled ''Take 3 Degrees'', which included performances of their greatest hits, and also songs that the group were performing in their latest show, such as "I Can't Turn You Loose" and "Celebration".

They returned to the UK charts in 1985 with "The Heaven I Need" which was produced by Stock/Aitken/Waterman on Supreme Records, though the single narrowly missed the UK Top 40. The band expressed surprise the song did not chart higher, and spoke of their regret that their working relationship with the production team did not continue.

In 1986, Miquel Brown filled in for Scott while the latter was pregnant. That same year Ferguson decided to leave the group to focus on her family life and raising her daughters. Scott and Holiday replaced Ferguson with Vera Brown of The Ritchie Family in 1986, and then Rhea Harris in 1987. In 1989, Scott and Holiday, along with new recruit Victoria Wallace, recorded the album ''Three Degrees ... And Holding'' on Ichiban Records. A single, "A Tender Lie" was also released. Following the album, the group recorded a live CD at London's Dominion Theatre, with Billy Paul and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes in 1989. The group followed this with another tour of the UK and Japan at the end of the year. Since Ferguson left the group, Holiday permanently took over as the lead singer of the group since then.

In a 2006 documentary interview, which featured Ferguson and Holiday speaking about their time together in the group, it was revealed that when Ferguson decided to leave the group, she spoke to the group members on a phone call about her decision instead of in person, and both parties felt that the conversation ended abruptly. In addition, Holiday commented feeling upset that this specific conversation should have been in person, and not on a phone call, and Holiday commented that it was difficult to find a replacement for Ferguson. Since then, Ferguson has had limited contact with the members of the group, and Ferguson has never had any public appearances with The Three Degrees. In a 2011 interview on the British TV show, '' Lorraine'', with The Three Degrees, they commented they may from time to time run into Ferguson in their home city of Philadelphia, as members of The Three Degrees, as well as Ferguson, come back to their home city to visit family members and friends. Often their encounters with Ferguson are only for brief moments; as one of the members Helen Scott had mentioned it is like ships that pass in the night.

1990s onwards

In December 1989, Cynthia Garrison replaced Wallace forming the longest running line-up of the group. In 1993, they were asked to record a new version of "When Will I See You Again" with Thomas Anders (of Modern Talking). He supplied three tracks for their album '' Out of the Past Into the Future'', marking their return to Ariola Records and their most successful album for 15 years, Two further singles were released from the album, the re-recording of "Dirty Ol' Man" and new song "Hurry Hurry". In 1996 they released a new best of album, ''Best & New Hits: When Will I See You Again'', which included four re-recorded hits and six new songs. A seasonal album, ''Christmas With The Three Degrees'', was also recorded in 1998. This album included a cover of Wham's " Last Christmas", which was released as a remixed dance single which gave the group their 15th (and final) UK top 60 single, reaching number 54.

Scott, Holiday and Garrison continued to tour. They made their first US TV appearance in over 20 years in 2003 on the PBS show, ''Rhythm, Love, and Soul'' with Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and Mary Wilson. They were also part of the 'Best Disco In Town 2004 Tour' with The Pointer Sisters, Chic, The Emotions, and Evelyn "Champagne" King. They also took part in the 2007 'Best Disco In Town' tour of the United Kingdom in May 2007.

In 2008, the group released the album ''Helen, Valerie, Cynthia: The Greatest Hits'', which included completely new recordings of the group's biggest hits and some fan favourites.

The group, together with founder member Fayette Pinkney, received various honours during 2007 and 2008, through BEMA (The Black Entertainment and Music Association) and the City of Philadelphia for their contribution to music over five decades, creating, for the first time, The Four Degrees.

Fayette Pinkney died on June 27, 2009, in Lansdale Hospital, Pennsylvania, after a short illness, at the age of 61.

In 2009, the group released their first studio album in over ten years, ''Undercover 2009''. It contained a selection of eight cover versions of classic songs by ABBA, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Bee Gees. The following year they released a new single "Holding Back".

In January 2011, Freddie Pool replaced Cynthia Garrison, who was suffering from Piriformis syndrome, as the Degrees had touring commitments to fulfill.

In 2016, the Three degrees released their first studio album with member Freddie Pool entitled ''Strategy: Our Tribute To Philadelphia'', through Cherry Red Records.

The Holiday/Scott/Garrison version of The Three Degrees was the longest running formation of the group (1989–2010).

Cover versions

*Mirrorball sampled "Giving Up, Giving In" as "Given Up", and this was released as a single in 1999. It reached number 12 in the UK Singles Chart.
* Sheena Easton covered "Giving Up, Giving In" on her album '' Fabulous'', and released the track as single in 2000. It reached number 54 in the UK Singles Chart.

Members timeline

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at:01/01/2009
at:03/04/2016

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bar:Linda text:Linda Turner
bar:Shirley text:Shirley Porter
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bar:Janet text:Janet Harmon
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bar:Valerie text:Valerie Holiday
bar:Vera text:Vera Brown
bar:Rhea text:Rhea Harris
bar:Victoria text:Victoria Wallace
bar:Cynthia text:Cynthia Garrison
bar:Freddie text:Freddie Pool

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bar:Linda from:start till:06/01/1963
bar:Shirley from:start till:06/01/1963
bar:Helen from:06/01/1963 till:06/01/1966
bar:Helen from:08/01/1976 till:end
bar:Sheila from:06/01/1966 till:06/01/1986
bar:Janet from:06/01/1963 till:06/01/1967
bar:Valerie from:01/06/1967 till:end
bar:Vera from:06/01/1986 till:06/01/1987
bar:Rhea from:06/01/1987 till:06/01/1988
bar:Victoria from:06/01/1988 till:10/01/1989
bar:Cynthia from:10/01/1989 till:12/31/2010
bar:Freddie from:01/01/2011 till:end

Discography

* ''Maybe'' (1970)
* '' The Three Degrees'' (1973)
* '' International'' (1975)
* ''A Toast of Love'' (1976)
* '' Standing Up for Love'' (1977)
* ''New Dimensions'' (1978)
* '' 3D'' (1979)
* '' Album of Love'' (1982)
* ''…And Holding'' (1989)
* '' Out of the Past, into the Future'' (1993)
* ''Christmas with the Three Degrees'' (1998)
* ''Undercover 2009'' (2009)
* ''Strategy - Our Tribute to Philadelphia'' (2016)

Filmography

* '' The French Connection'' (1971)
* '' Sanford and Son'' ( Season 3, Episode 4 titled “Presenting the Three Degrees” aired October 5, 1973)
* '' Birds of Prey'' (2020)

See also

*List of funk musicians
*List of disco artists (S-Z)
* List of people from Philadelphia
* List of artists who reached number one in the United States
* List of artists who reached number one on the UK Singles Chart

References

Further reading

The Three Degrees in-depth interview
by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' February 2011

'Yuzu Melodies' April 2013
*Clemente, John (2000). ''Girl Groups — Fabulous Females That Rocked The World''. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 276.

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Three Degrees, The
American dance music groups
African-American girl groups
American vocal groups
American disco girl groups
American musical trios
American soul musical groups
Epic Records artists
Musical groups established in 1963
Musical groups from Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Records artists
Swan Records artists