The Three Degrees

ore than five decades on, the threesome has retained all three of their major qualities -- their beauty, their sparkling choreography and their precise vocal qualities. And, in between, they have amassed an impressive list of hit records. Today, the line-up consists of Valerie Holiday, Freddie Pool and Hazel Payne. The actual beginning of the group dates back more than 6 decades, when their then-manager, the enigmatic Richard Barrett brought three young teenagers together in Philadelphia. After a couple of years of constant rehearsing and local record hops, the group made its first mark on the recording scene by way of the Philly-based Swan Records. In 1972, they aligned their recording fate with Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International label and hit immediate paydirt in 1972 with "Dirty Ol’ Man". Soon after came "TSOP", which featured the ladies with MFSB. The following year came 'When Will I See You Again". "The whole Philadelphia Sound was the brainchild of Kenny (Gamble) and Leon (Huff)," Valerie explains. "They wrote and produced most of the hits...Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, Billy Paul, the Intruders. In all honesty, we weren't aware of the potential of the label when we first signed but at our first session with them, we felt the magic During their 3-year stint with Philadelphia International, they enjoyed a good measure of success with "Year Of Decision", "Take Good Care Of Yourself" and, again with MFSB, "Love Is The Message". It was during this era that the threesome made their biggest forward strides. A great deal of attention has been given to the fact that Prince Charles publicly acclaimed The Three Degree as his favorite group A year later, they teamed up with Giorgio Moroder (he of Donna Summer fame) and a new string of hits began. "Giving Up, Giving In", "My Simple Heart", “The Runner” and the lush ballad, "Woman In Love", were the highlights of this period. In 1986, Sheila decided to leave the group and after a short period of regrouping, Valerie and Helen brought in Cynthia Garrison and set about their business again. Ever since, they have been constantly touring all over the world, occasionally recording but always working. In 2015, the threesome returned to the recording studios to record their tribute to the music of their home city. Entitled “Strategy: Our Tribute to Philadelphia”, the album features their unique rendition of some of the best known and most revered songs from the golden era of the city – such as “Love Train”, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now”, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” as well as their slant on “Me & Mr. Jones”, “You’ll Never Find Another Love” and an update on their own “TSOP”. So it is that after almost six decades of existence, the Three Degrees can still make the claim as being the longest running female vocal group in history. And they show no signs of slowing down!