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The Emotions
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the vocal group formed in 1958, see The Emotions (doo-wop group).

The Emotions

Origin Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

 R&B
Genres
 soul

 disco

 pop

 gospel

Years active  1962–1985

 1990-present

Labels  Stax

 Volt

 Columbia

 Red Label

 Motown

Members  Wanda Hutchinson-Vaughn

 Sheila Hutchinson-Witt

Past members  Pamela Hutchinson (deceased)

 Jeanette Hutchinson-Hawes

 Theresa Davis

 Adrianne Harris

Website theemotionsweb.com
The Emotions are an American soul/R&B vocal group from Chicago. The group started
out in gospel music but transitioned into R&B and disco music. The Emotions were
named by VH1 as one of the 18 most influential girl groups of all time. [1][2][3]

History[edit]
Early career[edit]
The group was originally a gospel outfit known as the Hutchinson Sunbeams who
toured the gospel circuit with their father Joe Hutchinson. The Sunbeams sang on Jerry
Van Dyke’s “Children’s Gospel” television show and also occasionally performed in the
concert with Mahalia Jackson. They eventually became an R&B/Soul act with a popular
following in their hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Soon being renamed as The Emotions,
they signed with the Memphis-based Volt imprint of Stax Records in the late 1960s.[4][5][6]
[7]
 Under the production of Isaac Hayes and David Porter the group issued their 1969
debut album entitled So I Can Love You on Stax.[8]
"So I Can Love You" rose to no. 43 upon the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.[9] The
album's title track got to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 39 on the
Billboard Hot 100 chart.[10][11] Another single entitled "The Best Part Of A Love Affair" rose
to no. 27 upon the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. [12]
During 1970, The Emotions released a single entitled "Heart Association." That song
reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. [13] The girl group went on to
release their sophomore LP entitled Untouched in 1972 upon Stax.[14] A song from the
album called "Show Me How" rose to No. 13 upon the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[15]
During 1972, the girl group also released another single called "My Honey and Me."
That song reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. [16]
The Emotions then started to work on their third studio album entitled Songs of
Innocence and Experience. This LP was due to be issued in 1973, but was eventually
shelved. The girl group went on to appear in the 1973 feature film Wattstax, performing
the song "Peace Be Still." The tune went on to be added to the movie's
soundtrack. Wattstax was also nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best
Documentary. With Stax becoming defunct in 1975, the group then left the record label
altogether.[17][18][19][20]
Above and beyond[edit]
The group then joined up with Columbia Records where an association with Maurice
White of Earth, Wind & Fire brought them their greatest level of success.[1] With White
and Charles Stepney on production, The Emotions issued in 1976 their third studio
album Flowers on Columbia Records.[21] Flowers rose to No.5 upon the Billboard Top
R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 45 on the Billboard 200. The album was also
certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.[22][23][24] The LP's title track got to No. 16 on the
Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Another single called "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love"
rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot
R&B Songs chart.[25][26][27]
Following Charles Stepney's death in 1976, White took over producing the Emotions.
[4]
 During 1977 the group issued their follow up album entitled Rejoice The album
reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 7 on the Billboard
200 chart. Rejoice has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[28]
With the LP came the single “Don't Ask My Neighbors" which got to the top ten on the
Billboard R&B singles charts. Another song called "Best of My Love" reached No. 1 on
the Billboard Pop and R&B charts[29] and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a
Duo or Group with Vocals,[2] as well as an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B
Single.[30] "Best of My Love" has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[31]
During summer 1978 The Emotions went on to issue their third Columbia album
called Sunbeam. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and
No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[32][33] John Storm Roberts of High Fidelity stated
""Sunbeam" sparkles with good tracks."[34] Glenn Clark of The Morning Call wrote "The
best thing I can say about this LP is that I like it. The Emotions' brand of snappy and
upbeat soul is good for my soul. Maurice White, guru of Earth, Wind & Fire, produced
this album, and I think he has blended well the talent he has brought together." [35]
Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.[36] An album cut called Smile
reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[37]
During 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with The Emotions on the single "Boogie
Wonderland". The song reached No. 6 and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul
Songs charts. "Boogie Wonderland" has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Within October of that year the Emotions issued their follow up studio album again
produced by White entitled Come into Our World upon Columbia, which rose to no. 35
upon the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Jon Wall of Melody Maker wrote
"throughout Come into Our World The Emotions' superb vocal control, range and
harmonic sense are displayed to maximum effect". Wall also added "Come into Our
World is one of the most appealing albums I've heard since Off the Wall. I can't get the
album off the turntable and I don't want to". Bill Rhedon of The Baltimore Sun noted that
the album has "excellent material" with "simply steady, unvarying Coming at You, Soul."
A song called "What's the Name of Your Love?" also got to no. 30 upon
the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.[38][39][40][41][42] As well Maurice White went on to
be Grammy nominated in the category of Producer of the Year Non-Classical.[43]
Wanda and Jeanette went on to appear on Jennifer Holliday's Grammy nominated 1983
LP Feel My Soul. Pamela and Wanda also featured on Earth, Wind & Fire's 1983
album Electric Universe.[44][45][46]
The Emotions' eighth studio album entitled Sincerely was issued in 1984 on Red Label
Records.[47] The album rose to No. 3 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart and No. 33 on
the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[48][49] Dave Hillson of Blues & Soul said The
Emotions "caught the mood of eighties Soul perfectly". [50] Hugh Wyatt of the New York
Daily News declared "this album is top shelf".[51] As a single, "You're the One" reached
No. 19 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart and No. 34 on the US Billboard Hot R&B
Songs chart.[52][53] Another single called "You're the Best" rose to No. 33 on the
US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[54] During 1985 the group also issued their
subsequent studio LP entitled If I Only Knew on Motown Records. The album got to No.
11 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart.[55][56]
The Emotions went on to feature on Tyler Collins 1989 album Girls Nite Out. A song off
the LP that the girl group sang on called "Watcha Gonna Do?" rose to No. 8 on
the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[57][58]
Jeanette and Wanda then appeared upon EWF's 1990 album Heritage. The Emotions
also guested upon Nancy Wilson's 1990 album A Lady with a Song and jazz
group Urban Knights's 1995 LP Urban Knights I. They then featured on LL Cool J's
1995 LP Mr. Smith which has been certified Double Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[1]
[59]
 The Emotions also appeared on George Duke's 1995 album Illusions and the Gospel
Gangstaz's 1996 album Do or Die. During 1998 they featured on an episode of Motown
Live with fellow girl group Divine and made a guest appearance on Smokey Robinson's
1999 Grammy nominated album Intimate.[1][60][61][62]
During 2000, Pamela eventually rejoined the group. [1] A year later they were bestowed
with the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.[63] The Emotions went
on to guest upon Earth, Wind & Fire's 2003 album The Promise, which was produced by
Maurice White. A song from the album featuring The Emotions called "All in the Way"
rose to No. 13 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Adult
Contemporary Songs chart.[64][65][66] As well the group appeared on a 2004 PBS soul music
special hosted by Patti LaBelle where they performed "Best Of My Love".[67] Within
September of that year, Songs of Innocence and Experience were finally released by
Stax.[17]
The Emotions went on to collaborate with rapper Snoop Dogg on a track called "Life"
upon his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment.[68] The album has been
certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.[69] The Emotions also appeared as a guest artist
upon Terrace Martin's 2016 Grammy nominated album Velvet Portraits.[70][71]
Pamela's death[edit]
On September 18, 2020, Pamela Hutchinson died at the age of 61. [72]

Legacy[edit]
The Emotions have been sampled by rappers such as Big Daddy Kane, Tupac
Shakur, LL Cool J, Wu Tang Clan, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Salt n Pepa, De La Soul, Kanye
West, A Tribe Called Quest and Notorious BIG.[73][74]
Artists such as Toni Braxton, 112, Mariah Carey, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Mary J
Blige, Ginuwine, Keyshia Cole, Tamia and Janet Jackson have also sampled the girl
group.[73][75][76]
Their songs have also been covered by artists such as Phoebe Snow, Minnie
Riperton, Marcia Hines, Patti La Belle, Maysa, The Temptations, Will
Downing and Nancy Wilson, and Bobby Caldwell[73]
The Emotions have also influenced artists such as En Vogue,[77] Anita Baker,[78]
[79]
 Shanice,[80] Regina Belle,[81] Lalah Hathaway,[82] Jade,[83] Erykah Badu,[84] Kirk Whalum,
[85]
 Sheena Easton,[86] Teena Marie[87] and Fantasia.[88]

Accolades[edit]
Grammy Awards[edit]
[2]

Year Nominee / work Award Result

1978 Best Of My Love Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus Won

1980 Boogie Wonderland Best Disco Recording Nominated

Rhythm & Blues Foundation[edit]

Year Nominee / work Award Result

Rhythm & Blues

Discography[edit]
Main article: The Emotions discography

References[edit]
1. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e Dahl, Bill.  "The Emotions Biography".  AllMusic.
2. ^ Jump up to:a b c "The Emotions". grammy.com. The Recording Academy.
3. ^ "From The Andrews Sisters To Pussy Riot, The Most Influential Girl Groups Of All
Time". vh1.com. VH1. March 13, 2015. Archived from  the original on May 15, 2015.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b Rockwell, John  (August 21, 1977). "An "Emotional" Success Story".  The New
York Times.
5. ^ "The Emotions".  stax.com.  Stax Records.
6. ^ Osorio Colon, Marisa (January 26, 1995).  "Grammy Winners Reunite to Prove They're
'Bigger Than Bubblegum'".  Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original  on October 19,
2015.
7. ^ D’Agostino, John (February 14, 1991).  "Musical Emotions Return With Melodic Sound:
Singers: The Emotions, a trio of sisters, revives its career as musical tastes return to tuneful
songs".  Los Angeles Times.
8. ^ "The Emotions: So I Can Love You". 45worlds.com.
9. ^ "The Emotions: So I Can Love You (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.com.
10. ^ "The Emotions: So I Can Love You (Hot 100)".  billboard.com.  Billboard.
11. ^ "The Emotions: So I Can Love You (Hot R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
12. ^ "The Emotions: The Best Part Of A Love Affair (Hot R&B Songs)".  billboard.com.  Billboard.
13. ^ "The Emotions: Heart Association (Hot Soul Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
14. ^ "The Emotions: Untouched". 45worlds.com.
15. ^ "The Emotions: Show Me How (Hot R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
16. ^ "The Emotions: My Honey and Me (Hot Soul Songs)".  billboard.com.  Billboard.
17. ^ Jump up to:a b Unterberger, Richie.  "The Emotions:  Songs of Innocence and Experience  -
Review". AllMusic.
18. ^ Holmes II, Emory (June 5, 2003).  "The Woodstock of soul".  Los Angeles Times.
19. ^ Hornaday, Ann (May 28, 2000). "Wattstax: a peaceful explosion of
soul". baltimoresun.com. Baltimore Sun.
20. ^ "1974 Golden Globes". goldenglobes.com. The Golden Globes.
21. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers". 45worlds.com.
22. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.com.
23. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers (Billboard 200)". billboard.com. Billboard.
24. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers". RIAA.com.
25. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers (Hot R&B Songs)". Billboard.com.
26. ^ "The Emotions: I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love (Hot R&B Songs)".  Billboard.com.
27. ^ "The Emotions: I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love (Dance Club Songs)".  Billboard.com.
28. ^ "The Emotions: Rejoice". riaa.com.  RIAA.
29. ^ "Best of My Love – The Emotions".  AllMusic. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
30. ^ "The Emotions".  theamas.com. American Music Awards.
31. ^ "The Emotions: Best of My Love".  riaa.com. RIAA.
32. ^ "The Emotions: Sunbeam (Top Soul Albums)". billboard.com.
33. ^ "The Emotions: Sunbeam (Billboard 200)".  billboard.com.
34. ^ Storm Roberts, John (November 1978). "The Emotions:
Sunbeam"  (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Vol. 28, no. 11.  High Fidelity Magazine. p. 159.
35. ^ Clark, Glenn (September 30, 1978).  "The Emotions: Sunbeam".  newspapers.com.  Morning
Call. p. 52.
36. ^ "The Emotions: Sunbeam". riaa.com.  RIAA.
37. ^ "The Emotions: Smile Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)".  billboard.com.  Billboard.
38. ^ "The Emotions: Come into Our World". 45worlds.com.
39. ^ Wall, Jon (January 19, 1980). "The Emotions: Come into Our World". Melody Maker. p. 20.
40. ^ Rhedon, Bill (December 8, 1979).  "The Emotions: Come into Our
World". newspapers.com. Baltimore Sun. p. 15.
41. ^ "The Emotions: What's the Name of Your Love?". Billboard.com.
42. ^ "The Emotions: Come into Our World (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard.com.
43. ^ "Maurice White".  grammy.com.  The Recording Academy. November 23, 2020.
44. ^ Jennifer Holliday: Feel My Soul.  Geffen Records. 1983.
45. ^ "Jennifer Holliday". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. November 23, 2020.
46. ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe.  Columbia Records. 1983.
47. ^ The Emotions: Sincerely. Red Label Records. 1984.
48. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. April 24, 1984.
49. ^ "The Emotions: Sincerely (Top Soul Albums)". billboard.com.
50. ^ Hillson, Dave.  "The Emotions: Sincerely".  bluesandsoul.com. Blues & Soul.
51. ^ Wyatt, Hugh (June 1, 1984). "The Emotions: Sincerely". newspapers.com. New York Daily
News. p. 470.
52. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. March 27, 1984.
53. ^ "The Emotions: You're The One (Hot R&B Songs)". billboard.com. Billboard.
54. ^ "The Emotions: You're The Best (Dance Club Songs)".  billboard.com.
55. ^ The Emotions: If I Only Knew.  Motown Records. 1985.
56. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. April 16, 1985.
57. ^ "Tyler Collins: Girls Nite Out". genius.com.
58. ^ "Tyler Collins: Whatcha Gonna Do?". billboard.com.
59. ^ "LL Cool J: Mr. Smith". RIAA.com.
60. ^ "Smokey Robinson".  grammy.com. December 15, 2020.
61. ^ "Smokey Robinson: Intimate".  AllMusic.
62. ^ Reiss, Randy (October 27, 1998). "R&B Trio's Success a Matter of Divine
Intervention".  mtv.com.  MTV.
63. ^ Jump up to:a b "Pioneer Awards (2001)". bridgeagencynyc.com. Rhythm & Blues
Foundation.
64. ^ "Picks and Pans Main: Song".  people.com.  People. May 26, 2003.
65. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.com.
66. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.com.
67. ^ "70s Soul Superstars". PBS Hawaii. March 3, 2020.
68. ^ Snoop Dogg: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (Bonus Tracks). Doggy style/Geffen Records.
2006.
69. ^ "Snoop Dogg: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment".  riaa.com.
70. ^ "Terrace Martin: Velvet Portraits".  AllMusic.
71. ^ "Terrace Martin".  grammy.com.
72. ^ "'Best of My Love' Emotions Singer Pamela Hutchinson Dead at 61". Tmz.com.
Retrieved September 20, 2020.
73. ^ Jump up to:a b c "The Emotions". secondhandsongs.com.
74. ^ Kelley, Frannie (November 4, 2011). "When Old School Was New: Big Daddy Kane's 'Ain't
No Half-Steppin'".  Georgia Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original  on December 3,
2013. Retrieved  October 28,  2012.
75. ^ "The Emotions".  genius.com.
76. ^ Frere-Jones, Sasha (April 3, 2006).  "Mariah Carey's record-breaking career".  The New
Yorker. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
77. ^ Hunt, Dennis (June 21, 1992). "EN VOGUE: Off to a Fast Start and Making a Supreme
Effort". Los Angeles Times. Archived from  the original on October 20, 2015.
78. ^ Johnson, Connie (December 29, 1986). "Anita Baker breaks out of Pop pack". Los Angeles
Times.
79. ^ Anita Baker [@IAMANITABAKER] (August 6, 2014). "y'all Bettah SANG...EMOTIONS!!
YES. YESSS!!  :) Stomps Foot/Drops Mic.. (Eddie Murphy Sexual Choclate Voice)"   (Tweet) –
via Twitter.
80. ^ "I Love Your Smile, Voice Coach Sally b. Interviews Legendary R&b Star,
Shanice". blogtalkradio.com.
81. ^ "BELLE EPOQUE RISE OF REGINA". Washington Post.
82. ^ "Lalah Hathaway". twitter.com.
83. ^ Hunt, Dennis (May 5, 1993). "Turning Jade to Gold: With a Steady-Selling Album and Hit
Single, the R&B Trio Is Proving a Worthy Investment for Its Creator, Giant Records".  Los
Angeles Times. Archived from the original  on December 7, 2015.
84. ^ Powell, Betsy (June 4, 1997).  "Erykah Badu makes up date".  proquest.com. Toronto Star.
p. D5.  ProQuest  437695043.
85. ^ "Kirk Whalum On The Emotions: Best Soul Girl Groups Countdown". yahoo.com.
86. ^ 'Fabulous Easton turns Dance Diva. Vol. 112. Billboard Magazine. November 11, 2000.
pp.  18 & 24.
87. ^ "TEENA MARIE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 'CONGO
SQUARE'". eurweb.com. Archived from the original  on April 18, 2009.
88. ^ "The Making of an Idol". Time. May 16, 2004.