THE EMOTIONS

The Hutchinson sisters, Wanda (b. 17 December 1951; lead vocal), Sheila and Jeanette, first worked together in Chicago, Illinois, USA, as the Heavenly Sunbeams, then as the Hutchinson Sunbeams up to 1968. They recorded for several local companies prior to arriving at Stax on the recommendation of Pervis Staples of the Staple Singers. Their debut release for the label, “So I Can Love You” (1969), reached the US Top 40, and introduced a series of excellent singles, including “Show Me How” (1971) and “I Could Never Be Happy” (1972). Although Jeanette was briefly replaced by a cousin, Theresa Davis, she latterly returned to the line-up, while a fourth sister, Pamela, came into the group when Davis left. The Emotions moved to Columbia Records in 1976 and began working under the aegis of Maurice White of Earth, Wind And Fire. “Best Of My Love” was a US number 1 the following year while the singers secured further success with “Boogie Wonderland” in 1979, an energetic collaboration with White's group. The Emotions continued to record into the 80s and although their material was sometimes disappointing, their harmonies remained as vibrant as ever.

Discography: So I Can Love You (Stax 1970)***, Songs Of Love (Stax 1971)***, Untouched (Stax 1972)***, Flowers (Columbia 1976)***, Rejoice (Columbia 1977)***, Sunshine (Stax 1977)***, Sunbeam (Columbia 1978)***, Come Into Our World (ARC 1979)***, New Affair (ARC 1981)**, If I Only Knew (Motown 1985)**.

Compilations: Chronicle: Greatest Hits (Stax/Fantasy 1979)****, Heart Association - The Best Of The Emotions (Columbia 1979)****.