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!!!