Beautiful harmonies!
Did you know?
The Three Degrees were formed around 1963 in Philadelphia. They were discovered by producer and songwriter Richard Barrett.[1] Barrett was responsible for groups of the 1950s such as The Chantels, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and The Valentines.[1] Barrett recorded the original line-up on their first song, entitled "Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)", for Swan Records.[1] Turner and Porter both left the group and were replaced by Helen Scott and a variety of other ladies before Janet Harmon joined in the mid 1960s.[1] Barrett also began managing and producing Sheila Ferguson, who was a high school friend of Scott.[1] Barrett also signed Ferguson to Swan Records in 1965.[1] The Three Degrees released a number of singles such as "I'm Gonna Need You" and a cover version of "Maybe" with Scott taking the lead vocals.
By 1966, with many performances lined up, Scott decided to leave the group to start a family.[1] Ferguson filled in for Scott and would remain in the group for 20 years. Ferguson sang backup on all the group's Swan recordings as did the Three Degrees for her solo singles.[1] By 1967, Harmon left and was eventually replaced by Valerie Holiday.[1] Barrett signed them to recording contracts over the next three years with Warner Bros., Metromedia, and Neptune record labels;[1] the latter of which was owned by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff who would work with group five years later. Their close harmony singing made them a popular nightclub act but that hit record still eluded them."
