The Original Video Vixens

Oh, sure, it starts going downhill after 1970; but even by the time you get to The Three Degrees performing at some downmarket beauty pageant, it's still better than anything you'll see Beyonce or Rihanna perform at the VMA's.

Farewell, Fayette

FAYETTE PINKNEY of The Three Degrees
January 10, 1948 - June 27, 2009

Ms. Pinkney's death has just been formally announced. Take good care of yourself, girl.

Read the New York Times obit HERE.

Barbra & Barry

Together at last, courtesy of The Three Degrees.

I'll Be Thinking of Them, and Wondering Why

Year of Decision

We have decided to wear a headdress all day, every day, to also achieve Three Degrees of fabulousity.

Precious Moments

Sheila Ferguson (October 8, 1947), Valerie Holliday, and Fayette Pinkey, collectively known as The Three Degrees, were the prize fillies in Gamble & Huff's Philly Soul stable. Here in the States, "When Will I See You Again" was their only major hit (although they provided the sultry background vocals to "T.S.O.P. [The Sound of Philadelphia]," aka the Soul Train theme); in England and Japan, however, the girls became bona fide superstars, appearing on countless television specials, being courted by Prince Charles, and racking up dozens of hits.

This clip, improbably combining a vocal version of Love Unlimited Orchestra's "Love's Theme" with Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain on My Parade" in one jaw-dropping medley, is as good an example as any of their principles of the three degrees of camp: synchronized choreography, Barbie Doll gowns and Eva Gabor wigs.