Most Requested: Interview with Helen Scott
The Three Degrees come to Eden Court, Inverness, on the 27th September, and Most Requested's Graham Wilson spoke to Helen Scott on Friday 16th September 2016.
The Three Degrees need no introduction. Featured in the Guinness World Records as the longest-running female vocal group in history, they were, without doubt, the most successful female soul/disco outfit of the 1970’s, scoring hit after hit for Philadelphia International Records, including the enduring classic, ‘When Will I See You Again’, ‘Year of Decision’, ‘Take Good Care of Yourself’ and the UK Top 10 hits, ‘Woman in Love’ and ‘My Simple Heart’.
Currently celebrating 50 years in the business, original members Helen Scott and Valerie Holiday along with new arrival Freddie Pool (who joined in 2011), have been wowing clubland with their amazing live performances and recently released ‘Strategy (Our Tribute to Philadelphia) on SoulMusic Records’, their first new studio album in twenty-five years.
Having sold out a 28 date UK tour earlier in the year, due to public demand, The Three Degrees are pleased to announce a further 15 dates this Autumn, kicking off at Porthcawl Grand Pavilion on the 15th September. As the earlier tour dates will testify, the threesome has retained all three of their major qualities; their beauty, their sparkling choreography, and their precise vocal harmonies.
"For us, it is still exciting and we still enjoy our work," says Valerie Holiday. "We are blessed with a wide age group appeal….from fifteen to sixty-five." Scott goes on to add, "We have opened a lot of doors for other entertainers. In some cases, we may not have always succeeded but we have never given up. It still amazes me when we see teenagers singing along with our songs. And yet we still have the fans who have grown up with us."
‘Strategy (Our Tribute to Philadelphia)’ was recorded with full band and orchestra at Down In Deep Studios in Atlanta, USA, and features the trio’s own very personal tribute to timeless Philadelphia classic such as The O’Jays’ ‘Love Train’, The Trammps’ ‘Disco Inferno’, Billy Paul’s classic, ‘Me & Mr. Jones’ and the exciting title track, popularized by Archie Bell & The Drells, along with a new recording of the group’s own hit, ‘T.S.O.P’.
"This album holds a special place for me. I was raised in Philly and my exposure to the music of many Philadelphia artists was vast. T.S.O.P came from two talented musical moguls, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who challenged the industry and put Philly on the map. Thanks guys! There is love and a message in the music.", says Helen Scott.
David Nathan, founder of SoulMusic Records and SoulMusic.com says:
"We're extremely proud to have this brand new Three Degrees album on the label, in particular because of my personal connection with the group which goes back to their UK success in the '70s and with their longtime manager, John Abbey, founder of 'Blues & Soul' magazine. It's exciting to hear the group's interpretation of these truly timeless Philadelphia soul music classics."
The influence and popularity of The Three Degrees has played an important role in bringing Soul music to the world and they continue to be considered around the globe as one of the most important ambassadors of American Soul Music, more than five decades after its birth and they show no signs of slowing down.
You can listen to the full interview below:
