What Happened? Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton

Minnie Julia Riperton was born in Chicago on November 9 1949 to Thelma and Daniel Riperton, a Pullman porter. The youngest of eight children in a musical family, Riperton embraced the arts early on. Although she began with ballet and modern dance, Riperton's parents recognized her vocal and musical abilities and encouraged her to pursue music and voice.

At Chicago's Lincoln Center, Riperton received operatic vocal training from Marion Jeffery. She practiced breathing and phrasing, with particular emphasis on diction. Jeffery also trained Riperton to use her full range.

 While studying under Jeffery, Riperton sang operettas and show tunes, in preparation for a career in opera. Jeffery was so convinced of her pupil's abilities that she strongly pushed her to further study the classics at Chicago's Junior Lyric Opera. The young Riperton was, however, becoming very interested in soul, rhythm and blues, and rock. After graduating from Hyde Park High School, now Hyde Park Career Academy, she enrolled at Loop College and became a member of the prestigious Zeta Phi Beta. She dropped out of college to pursue her music career. In 1967, Riperton met songwriter Richard Rudolph, whom she married five years later. They have a son named Marc, and their daughter is Maya Rudolph, a successful television and film actress/comedienne.

Riperton's first professional singing engagement was with The Gems, when she was fifteen. Raynard Miner, a blind pianist, heard Riperton singing during her stint with Hyde Park's A Cappella Choir and became her musical patron. The Gems had relatively limited commercial success, but proved to be a good outlet for Riperton's talent. Eventually the group became a session group known as Studio Three and it was during this period that they provided the backing vocals on the classic 1965 Fontella Bass hit "Rescue Me".

In 1964, The Gems released a local hit, I Can't Help Myself, and their last single, He Makes Me Feel So Good, was released in 1965. After that, the group released records under numerous names—most notably 1966's Baby I Want You by the Girls Three and 1967's My Baby's Real by the Starlets. The latter has achieved cult status with northern soul fans and remains a favorite. It also was a Motown-style song reminiscent of Tammi Terrell. In 1968, Watered Down was released as a follow-up, under the name The Starlets. It was the last release of Riperton's former girl group.

While a part of Studio Three, Riperton met her mentor, producer Billy Davis. He would write her first local hit, "Lonely Girl", and also "You Gave Me Soul". In honor of Davis, she used the pseudonym Andrea Davis for the release of those two singles.

Some months after her Andrea Davis singles hit the radio, Riperton became session artist at Chess Records signing background for Etta James, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and other Chess Records acts. She joined Rotary Connection, a funky rock-soul group creation of Marshall Chess, the son of Chess Records' founder Leonard Chess.

Rotary Connection consisted of Riperton, Chess, Judy Hauff, Sidney Barnes and Charles Stepney. The group released their debut in 1967 and, eventually, five more albums: 1968's Aladdin; the Christmas album Peace; Songs; and finally 1970's Dinner Music and Hey Love.

Riperton's first solo album, Come to My Garden, produced, arranged, and orchestrated by Charles Stepney, was released in 1970 by GRT Records. She was presented as a solo artist by Ramsey Lewis on Saturday, December 26, 1970 at Chicago's famed London House. She performed several numbers from the album accompanied by Charles Stepney, the album's producer. Although commercially unsuccessful, Come to My Garden is now considered a masterpiece by music critics and many others in the music industry.

She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph In 1972

In 1973, a college intern for Epic Records found Riperton in semiretirement. She had become a housewife and a mother of two in Gainesville, Florida. After he heard a demo of the song "Seeing You This Way," the rep took the tape to Don Ellis, VP of A&R for Epic.

Riperton signed with Epic Records, and the family moved to Los Angeles, California. The subsequent record, Perfect Angel, turned out to be one of Riperton's best-selling albums. Included were the rock-soul anthem "Reasons", the second single, "Take a Little Trip" (written by Stevie Wonder, who also coproduced the album), and the third single, "Seeing You This Way".

Minnie also sang backup on Wonder's songs "Creepin'" from 1974's "Fullfillingness' First Finale"

Sales of the album Perfect Angel started out slow. Epic was ready to move on to the next record, but Rudolph convinced them to release another single. With the fourth single, "Lovin' You", the album caught on, and in April 1975, the song went to the top of the charts in the U.S. and 24 other countries. The song reached number two in the UK, and number three on the U.S. R&B charts. It sold more than one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in April 1975. Perfect Angel went gold, and Riperton was finally revered as the "lady with the high voice and flowers in her hair." The album also featured the song "Every Time He Comes Around," with Deniece Williams singing the background vocals.

 Riperton's daughter Maya Rudolph, who was a child when "Lovin' You" was recorded. According to the liner notes from Riperton's Petals compilation CD, the melody to "Lovin' You" was created as a distraction for Maya when she was a baby, so Riperton and Richard Rudolph could spend time together. Near the end of the unedited "Lovin' You", Riperton sings "Maya, Maya, Maya".

After Perfect Angel, Riperton and Richard Rudolph started on Riperton's third album, Adventures in Paradise (1975). Joe Sample of The Crusaders cowrote the title song, "Adventures in Paradise", and Crusaders' producer Stewart Levine, coproduced the album. While shooting a promotional clip for the album, she was attacked by a lion, but was not seriously injured.

During an appearance on The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show, she played the footage of the incident for Sammy and her fellow guests, including Richard Pryor. The album was a modest success. Despite the R&B hit "Inside My Love" (a number five U.S. R&B hit), the album did not match the success of Perfect Angel. Some radio stations refused to play "Inside My Love" due to the lyrics: "Will you come inside me?"

 Her fourth album for Epic Records entitled Stay in Love featured another collaboration with Stevie Wonder in the funky disco tune "Stick Together”.

Minnie lend her voice again as backup on "Ordinary Pain" from 1976's Songs in the Key of Life .

 On August 24, 1976, Riperton told Flip Wilson, who was guest-hosting for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, that she had undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer. At the time of her diagnosis, Riperton found out her cancer had already spread to the lymphatic system, and was given about six months to live.

She continued touring in 1977 and 1978, and became the national spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society 1978–79 campaign.

In 1978, Riperton's attorney Mike Rosenfeld and her husband, Richard Rudolph, orchestrated a move to Capitol Records for Riperton and her CBS Records catalogue.

In 1978, Riperton also received the American Cancer Society's Courage Award which was presented to her at the White House by President Jimmy Carter.

In April 1979, Riperton released her fifth and final album, Minnie. During the recording of the album, her cancer progressed to the point that she was in a great deal of pain. "Memory Lane" was a hit from the album, and was arguably Riperton's greatest work. Riperton incorporated the sadness of the ending of a relationship while suddenly shifting to cries of "I don't want to go," "save me," "now I'm slippin' fast," "thought it was over; here I go again," and "travelin' down, faster than the speed of sound." It is thought that "Memory Lane" was her farewell to her family and to the world.

Her last televised performance was on an episode of The Merv Griffin Show (aired July 6, 1979), during which she performed Memory Lane and Lover and Friend. Extreme lymphedema immobilized her right arm in early 1979. In her final singing appearances on television (most notably on the Mike Douglas Show), her right arm would remain in a fixed position during her performances.

 By mid-June, she was confined to bed. She entered Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on July 10. On Thursday, July 12 at 10 am, while lying in her husband's arms, Riperton died while listening to a recording Stevie Wonder had made for her. That Sunday, following a funeral service attended by more than five hundred mourners, Riperton was interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles. Her epitaph is the opening line of her most famous song, "Lovin' you is easy cause you're beautiful".

After Riperton died, several artists contributed vocals to tracks she had recorded before her death, to help compile Richard Rudolph's final tribute to his wife, Love Lives Forever. Included, among others, were Peabo Bryson, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

Riperton's last single, "Give Me Time", was released in 1980. Richard Rudolph wrote the song, "Now That I Have You" for Riperton, but she never got the chance to record it; he gave the song to Teena Marie, who recorded it (and co-produced it with Rudolph) on Marie's second LP, Lady T.

Finally, in 1981, Capitol Records released The Best of Minnie Riperton, a greatest hits collection. The "new" song on the album was a remake of Joni Mitchell's "A Woman of Heart and Mind", which was a holdover from the Minnie sessions. Also included were an alternate mix of "Memory Lane", live versions of "Can You Feel What I'm Saying", "Lover And Friend", "Young, Willing and Able" and two "Moments with Minnie". It also included the hits "Perfect Angel", "Lovin' You", "Inside My Love", "Adventures In Paradise", and two tracks from Love Lives Forever: the singles "Here We Go" and "You Take My Breath Away".

In 2001 Right Stuff records released “Petals: The Minnie Riperton Collection. Also in the same year EMI released Le Fluer: The Minnie Riperton Anthology.

On June 7, 2009, TV One (US TV network's) Unsung series premiered a one-hour documentary on Riperton's career and life. It included interviews with her husband Richard, son Marc, daughter Maya (Maya Rudolph), sister Sandra Riperton, and many others who worked with Riperton.

What Happened? Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield

Born on June 3, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, Mayfield was the son of Marion Washington and Kenneth Mayfield. Mayfield's father left the family when Mayfield was five and his mother moved Curtis and his siblings into various Chicago projects before settling at the Cabrini–Green projects when Mayfield reached his teenage years. Mayfield attended Wells Community Academy High School. He dropped out of high school early to become lead singer and songwriter for The Impressions.

Mayfield's career began in 1956 when he joined The Roosters with Arthur and Richard Brooks and Jerry Butler. Two years later The Roosters, now including also Sam Gooden, became The Impressions. The band had one big hit with "For Your Precious Love".

After Butler left the group and was replaced with Fred Cash, (a returning original Roosters member), Mayfield became lead singer, frequently composing for the band, starting with "Gypsy Woman", a Top 20 Pop hit.

Their hit "Amen," (Top 10), an updated version of an old gospel tune, was included in the soundtrack of the 1963 MGM film Lilies of the Field, which starred Sidney Poitier.

The Impressions reached the height of their popularity in the mid-to-late-'60s with a string of Mayfield compositions that included "Keep on Pushing," "People Get Ready", "It's All Right" (Top 10),the uptempo "Talking about My Baby"(Top 20), "Woman's Got Soul", "Choice of Colors,"(Top 20), "Fool For You," "This is My Country" and "Check Out Your Mind." Mayfield had written much of the soundtrack of the civil rights movement in the early 1960s, but by the end of the decade he was a pioneering voice in the black pride movement along with James Brown and Sly Stone. Mayfield's "We're a Winner", a Number 1 soul hit which also reached the Billboard pop Top 20, became an anthem of the black power and black pride movements when it was released in late 1967, much as his earlier "Keep on Pushing" (whose title is quoted in the lyrics of "We're a Winner" and also in "Move On Up") had been an anthem for Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1970, Mayfield left The Impressions and began a solo career, founding the independent record label Curtom Records. Curtom went on to release most of Mayfield's landmark 1970s records, as well as records by the Impressions, Leroy Hutson, The Staple Singers, Mavis Staples, and Baby Huey and the Babysitters, a group which at the time included Chaka Khan. Many of these records were also produced by Mayfield.

The commercial and critical peak of his solo career came with his music Record album Super Fly, the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film of the same name, and one of the most influential albums in African-American history. Unlike the soundtracks to other blaxploitation films (most notably Isaac Hayes' score for Shaft), which glorified the ghetto excesses of the characters, Mayfield's lyrics consisted of hard-hitting commentary on the state of affairs in black, urban ghettos at the time, as well as direct criticisms of several characters in the film. The single releases "Freddie's Dead" and "Super Fly" both sold over one million copies each, and were awarded gold discs by the R.I.A.A.

Super Fly brought success that resulted in Mayfield being tapped for additional soundtracks, some of which he wrote and produced while having others perform the vocals.

Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded Mayfield's soundtrack for Claudine in 1974.

The Staple Singers recorded Mayfield songs for the soundtrack to Let's Do It Again in 1975.

Aretha Franklin recorded the soundtrack for Sparkle in 1976.

Mayfield worked with Mavis Staples on the 1977 soundtrack for the film A Piece of the Action.

He was in danger of overreaching himself being writer, producer, performer, arranger, and businessman but seemed to cope and still produce a remarkable output during his hit soundtracks Curtis released five solo projects of his own.

One of Mayfield's most successful funk-disco meldings was the 1977 hit "Do Do Wap is Strong in Here" from his soundtrack to the Robert M. Young film of Miguel Piñero's play Short Eyes.

Mayfield was active throughout the 1970s and 1980s, though he had a somewhat lower public profile in the 1980s.

On August 13, 1990, Mayfield was paralyzed from the neck down after stage lighting equipment fell on him at an outdoor concert at Wingate Field in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York.

Along with his group The Impressions, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Because of the accident Curtis was unable to record and produce the awarding album New World Order like those that preceded it. He was unable to play guitar, but he wrote, sang, and directed the recording of his last album, New World Order. Mayfield's vocals were painstakingly recorded, usually line-by-line while lying on his back.

He was a winner of the prestigious Grammy Legend Award in 1994.

He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995.

In February 1998, he had to have his right leg amputated owing to diabetes. Mayfield was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 1999. Health reasons prevented him from attending the ceremony, which included fellow inductees Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Dusty Springfield, George Martin, and 1970s Curtom signee and labelmate The Staple Singers. 

In 1999, he was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist making him one of the few artists to become double inductees.

Curtis Mayfield died on December 26, 1999 at the North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia his health having steadily declined following his paralysis.[

Posthumously, in 2000, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

His last appearance on record was with the group Bran Van 3000 on the song "Astounded" for their album Discosis, recorded just before his death and released in 2001.

 Mayfield has left a remarkable legacy for his introduction of social consciousness into R&B and for pioneering the funk style. Many of his recordings with the Impressions became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and his most famous album, Super Fly, is regarded as an all-time great that influenced many and truly invented a new style of modern black music.

Mayfield's solo Super Fly is ranked No. 69 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

The Impressions' album/CD The Anthology 1961–1977 is ranked at No. 179 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of all time.

As a member of The Impressions, he was posthumously inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.

In his 2003 biography of Curtis Mayfield, titled "People Never Give Up", author Peter Burns noted that Curtis has 140 songs in the Curtom vaults. Burns indicated that the songs maybe already completed or in the stages of completion, so that they could then be released commercially.

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Mayfield No. 98 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The Impressions' 1965 hit song, "People Get Ready", composed by Mayfield, has been chosen as one of the Top 10 Best Songs Of All Time by a panel of 20 top industry songwriters and producers, including Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Hal David, and others, as reported to Britain's Mojo music magazine.

The Impressions hits, People Get Ready and For Your Precious Love are both ranked on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, as No. 24 and No. 327 respectively.

2012 Curtis Mayfield music was reintroduced to a new generation with Whitney Houston’s revision of the movie Sparkle. Curtis classic music was revamped by the actresses of the stellar movie.

What Happened? The Emotions

The Emotions

The group was formed in its current hometown of Chicago, Illinois originally consisting of three sisters, all children of Joseph and Lillian Hutchinson.

Joseph had prayed for talented children before the girls were born, and wasted no time in developing their musical skills. As soon as the girls could talk, he began teaching them music skills, and had them practice in the basement of their home on the south side of Chicago. When Sheila, the youngest, was five years old, they began singing in church choirs and on radio shows all around their native Chicago. Joe, Jeanette, Wanda & Sheila even performed for the legendary Mahalia Jackson. They also appeared on a local television show, “The Jerry Van Dyke Show,” in Terre Haute, Indiana. In addition to this appearance, The Hutchinsons recorded several commercials for Al Abrams Pontiac. During this time the Hutchinson act appeared under several names including, Three Ribbons and a Bow, The Heavenly Sunbeams and The Hutchinson Sunbeams.

The group appeared in a talent contest at the Regal Theater in Chicago. The Emotions won the contest and were signed to the Stax / Volt label.

In 1968, the girls changed their name to The Emotions. Papa Joe packed up the girls and they were off to record their first album for a major record company, Stax / Volt Records. The Emotions released the song “So I Can Love You” from the album of the same name in 1969. This was an immediate success for The Emotions. They were ecstatic to hear comments from their school friends telling them that they heard their song on the radio. “So I Can Love You” was not only a successful recording for the group, but sister, Sheila Hutchinson, wrote it.

Jeanette was married in 1970 to Reginald Hawes, and gave birth to her first son, Chicha. A close friend, Theresa Davis, a former member of Our Ladies Of Soul began to sing with the group.

In 1972 Emotions perform in the concert dubbed Wattstax. A rhythm and blues mega concert based after Woodstock, which was more rock influenced.

The following year, the Emotions released Untouched, their second album, which featured hits such as "Show Me How" and "If You Think It". During their Stax years, they were produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The Emotions were running up the charts consistently with hit records. By this time, The Emotions had definitely proven themselves as an asset at Stax / Volt and began recording a third album for the label, “Songs of Innocence and Experience.” Unfortunately, Stax / Volt was beginning to experience some financial difficulties and the album was never released, however almost all of the songs recorded for that album were released as singles, many of which charted and kept The Emotions’ name out there.

With the financial problems at Stax / Volt, The Emotions found themselves getting lost in the shuffle. It was at this time that family friend, Ron Ellison told Joseph Hutchinson about Charles Stepney and Maurice White. By this time, Jeanette had returned to the group to continue performing with her sisters.

In 1976, Charles and Maurice signed The Emotions to Kalimba Productions and Columbia Records where they went on to record their very successful album “Flowers,” which contained three singles, “Flowers,” “I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love,” and “You’ve Got The Right To Know.” The Emotions toured with Earth, Wind & Fire to promote their new project, which re-introduced the group and garnered gold certification for The Emotions. Later Pamela began to tour in live performances with the group while Jeanette pursued individual personal goals.

Their association with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire brought them their greatest success. In early 1977 The Emotions recored “Rejoice.” This time, Wanda and Sheila were joined by baby sister Pamela, who stepped in while oldest sister, Jeanette took some time off for maternity leave. This project took The Emotions over the top with the release of their first single, the million-plus selling single, “Best Of My Love.” The Emotions had now become superstars, everyone was singing their songs all around the world. The “Rejoice” album was certified platinum and bore two singles. The second single, “Don’t Ask My Neighbors” completely solidified the group as Pop / R&B divas. The Emotions had come a long way and now they were getting the recognition that they deserved. Although “Rejoice” only released two singles, most of the album tracks received airplay. The Emotions went on an extensive tour (including little brother Joe on guitar) with The Commodores.

Again without slowing down, The Emotions continued working and in August 1978, they released the first single for their third Maurice White production on Columbia Records. The single was “Smile” from the album, “Sunbeam.” This song went to No. 6 on the R&B charts and again put The Emotions back on top. This was a historical album of sorts for The Emotions as it depicted their growth from children, “The Hutchinson Sunbeams” to the ladies that they had become. Jeanette also returned on this project to continue where she left off after having a beautiful baby girl. Pamela returned to her studies in college but remained active in the group. Two additional singles were released from this album, “Walking The Line” and “Whole Lot Of Shakin’.” The strength of these songs helped fuel this recording to gold certification. At the same time, The Emotions geared up a tour with The Brothers Johnson.

In 1978, Jeanette returned to the group. In collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire the group scored big with the single, "Boogie Wonderland", which was a top ten hit in 1979.

In the late fall of 1979, The Emotions released the highly acclaimed album, “Come Into Our World.” This recording contained a host of prominent writers, arrangers and producers including The Emotions themselves. The inner sleeve featured the lyrics to the songs on one side and a picture of younger sister Pamela and brother Joe on the other side indicating that, as always, Pamela and Joe were still a part of the group. The first release from this album was an up-tempo dance number called “What’s The Name Of Your Love?” As with previous albums, many of the other tracks on the record received airplay. The second single from the album was the heart-wrenching ballad, “Where Is Your Love?,” featuring the soft and breathy allure of Sheila’s lead vocal. Although this record did not achieve all of the high accolades that its predecessors did, it still cannot go un-noticed.

The group continued on preparing for their next release, which was “New Affair,” also on Maurice White’s Columbia / ARC label. This album was released in August of 1981. Although Jeanette, Wanda and Sheila didn’t tour with this project, it still stands as a tribute to The Emotions, one of our nations most underrated treasures. “Turn It Out” was the first single from this record and that is exactly what they did --- they turned the joint out. As always, Wanda sang the lead vocal with such conviction that you knew she meant what she said. “Now That I Know,” the group’s second single from “New Affair”, followed this tune. Unfortunately, this album was not really given the proper edge to survive in an ever-competitive market. This was The Emotions’ last album recorded for the Columbia / ARC label.

During a brief hiatus from the business, The Emotions remained active with other projects on an individual level. Wanda and Jeanette worked on the Jennifer Holiday project “Feel My Soul” and Sheila became involved with commercials back in Chicago. Pamela also remained busy working with Wanda and Earth, Wind & Fire on several projects. Wanda also collaborated extensively with husband Wayne and Maurice White on many Earth, Wind & Fire tunes including the hits: “Let’s Groove,” “Fall In Love With Me,” “Side By Side,” and “Thinking Of You” to name a few.

In 1984, The Emotions returned in a big way with their album “Sincerely” on Red Label Records. This collection brought the group back to the forefront with the first single, “You’re The One.” This song crashed into the top 20 on the R&B charts. Once again, fans were happy to see Wanda, Sheila & Pamela back doing what they do best! Lee Young, Sr. who served as the Executive Producer headed this record. Wanda and husband, Wayne also produced several of the albums tracks along with several other well-known producers including Billy Osborne and Zane Giles. The second single from this project was “You’re The Best,” which was released as a 7” single version and a 12” re-mixed eight minute dance version that strongly forced its way up the Billboard Dance / Club charts. “Sincerely” produced one more single, “Are You Through With My Heart,” a lovely and emotional ballad that was undeniably a trademark of The Emotions.

At this time, The Emotions were again on a roll. They were disappointed with the way Red Label handled their album and sought attention elsewhere. The group signed with Motown and released “If I Only Knew” in 1985, which featured the first single “Miss Your Love.” This song was a funk / rock mix of soul and was a side of The Emotions that we hadn’t seen before. This tune was exciting for Emotions’ fans everywhere, yet it received very little airplay. “Miss Your Love” was followed up by “If I Only Knew (Then, What I Know Now),” which was a beautiful ballad. Although this record didn’t receive the attention that it deserved, several of the tracks on the record including “Supernatural” and “Good Times” were played in many markets.

In 1985 a very traumatic event occurred in the lives of The Emotions. Their father and mentor, Joseph Hutchinson, Sr. lost his battle with cancer. Joe Hutchinson, Sr. was a wiz; not only did he manage The Emotions, but he also maintained and recorded a diary of the entire career of his girls. He truly was and is an inspiration, not only to his children, but to the rest of us as well. From him you can learn true endurance, dedication and commitment, all of which shines through in all of his children.

The Emotions by this time have become drained and needed a well deserved break. Each of the ladies worked on several individual projects including raising their families, recording, teaching, consulting, theater, commercials, etc.

By the time 1990 rolled around, The Emotions were becoming restless and needed to get back out there and begin performing again. In 1992, The Emotions recorded “I Want To Thank You For Your Love” for the motion picture soundtrack to “BeBe’s Kids.”

Jeanette came up with an idea while attending an acting class to write a story about their lives. The product of this brainstorm was the critically acclaimed and hit musical, “Bigger Than Bubblegum.” The musical was originally performed in 1995, but garnered so much praise and attention that a full-on production was staged and went on to play for over two consecutive months in 1997 at the famous and historic Pasadena Playhouse. “Bigger Than Bubblegum,” regularly played to sell-out houses.

During 1996 between the original production of “Bigger Than Bubblegum” and the full production of the musical, The Emotions released “The Emotions Live,” which is a must for any collector. This cd was pure and contained live versions of the songs we have come to know and love. “The Emotions Live” was released on Sunbeam Records, the group’s very own label. Also included on this recording are 4 new studio tracks and the song, “I Want To Thank You For Your Love” from the motion picture soundtrack to “BeBe’s Kids.”

In the late 1990’s, the group continued to perform and was in demand for many Ol’ Skool Shows. The Emotions made their presence known and continue to do so up until today. Not only have The Emotions been appearing, but also their songs are being picked up and placed on many motion picture soundtracks such as “Summer Of Sam” and “Boogie Nights.”

In March 2001, The Emotions were honored by Prestige Entertainment / The Make a Wish Foundation with the 2001 Prestige Award.

Get ready to dance, be happy and love ‘cause Wanda, Sheila and Pamela are back!!!