The Three Degrees
The Three Degrees are an American female vocal group formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for their Philadelphia soul and disco sound. They achieved major success in the 1970s with hits like "When Will I See You Again." The group has seen numerous lineup changes over more than six decades, with twelve women serving as members.
The trio started with Fayette Pinkney, Shirley Porter, and Linda Turner (sometimes listed as Helen Scott in early accounts), discovered by producer Richard Barrett. They signed to Swan Records and released their debut "Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)." Early shifts included Valerie Holiday joining in 1967 alongside Pinkney and Sheila Ferguson.
In 1973, they moved to Philadelphia International Records, recording with MFSB on the #1 hit "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)." Their 1974 single "When Will I See You Again" topped the UK chart and hit #2 in the US, earning them the nickname "Prince Charles' favorites." They followed with disco hits like "Givin' Up Givin' In" after signing with Ariola in 1978.
Two versions persist: one with original member Valerie Holiday, Freddi Poole, and Hazel Payne; another led by Helen Scott with Skyler Jordan and Tamika Peoples, noted as the longest-running female vocal group. Recent activity includes a 2016 album Strategy: Our Tribute to Philadelphia and 2025 tours.
3D
Written-By – H. Faltermeyer, K. Forsey
6:05
A2 Red Light
Written-By – C. Bennett, G. Moroder
5:42
A3 Set Me Free
Written-By – C. Bennett, G. Moroder
4:33
B1 Starlight
Written-By – H. Faltermeyer, K. Forsey
4:42
B2 My Simple Heart
Written-By – Bugatti/Musker
4:28
B3 Without You
Written-By – H. Faltermeyer, K. Forsey
4:04
B4 Bodycheck
Written-By – G. Moroder, H. Faltermeyer, K. Forsey
3:33
Label: Ariola – 3D1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Disco
Maybe
Written-By – J. Walsh, P. Cullie
2:59
A2 You're The One
Written-By – S. Stewart
3:23
A3 Sugar On Sunday
Written-By – M. Vale, T. James
3:23
A4 Maybe
Written-By – R. Barrett
5:37
A5 You're The Fool
Written-By – S. McMahan
2:50
B1 McArthur Park
Written-By – Jim Webb
6:43
B2 Rosegarden
Written-By – J. South
2:40
B3 Stardust
Written-By – H. Carmichael, M. Parish
4:08
B4 Lonely Town
Written-By – J. Lambert, M. Gentile
2:50
B5 The Magic Door
Written-By – C. Otis, S. Lama, Y. Gilbert
2:20
Label: Roulette – SR-42050
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
New Dimensions
Written-By – Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte
6:07
A2 Looking For Love
Written-By – Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte
5:26
A3 Falling In Love Again
Written-By – Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte
5:34
B1 The Runner
Written-By – Giorgio Moroder, Sheila Ferguson
6:18
B2 Woman In Love
Written-By – D. Bugatti - F. Musker
5:16
B3 Magic In The Air
Written-By – Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte
5:45
Label: Ariola Records America – SW 50044
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Disco
So Much Love
Written-By – Traditional
3:13
A2 Trade Winds
Written-By – R. MacDonald, W. Salter
3:54
A3 Love The One You're With
Written-By – S. Stills
3:40
A4 I Do Take You
Written-By – B. Keyes, M. March
3:07
A5 Who Is She (And What Is She To You)
Written-By – B. Withers, S. McKenney
3:15
B1 There's So Much Love All Around Me
Written-By – G. Illingworth, P. Vance
2:37
B2 Ebb Tide
Written-By – C. Sigman, R. Maxwell
3:15
B3 Caught Between Two Fires
Written-By – V. Thomas
3:08
B4 Maybe
Written-By – R. Barrett
5:37
B5 If You Must Leave My Life
Written-By – J. Webb
3:09
Label: Pye International – NSPL 28212
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Standing Up For Love
Written-By – George Clinton
5:25
A2 What I Did For Love (From The Musical "A Chorus Line")
Written-By – Ed Kleban, Marvin Hamlisch
3:41
A3 Just Leave Me Alone
Written-By – Rob Galbraith
5:41
A4 Macaroni Man
Written-By – Jimmy Jules
3:42
A5 Gee Baby
Written-By – Richard Barrett
2:54
B1 People With Feeling
Written-By – Pal Rakes, Russ Faith
4:13
B2 In Love We Grow
Written-By – Dennis Belfield
3:57
B3 We're All Alone
Written-By – Boz Scaggs
3:41
B4 Standing Up For Love (Reprise)
Written-By – George Clinton
2:29
Label: Epic – PE 34385
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Take Good Care Of Yourself
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
4:21
A2 Take Good Care Of Yourself
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
3:26
A3 Get Your Love Back
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
3:25
A4 Lonelier Are Fools
Written-By – B. Hawes, C. Simmons, J. Jefferson
4:05
A5 Distant Lover
Written-By – L. Huff, M. Gaye, S. Green
4:04
B1 Together
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
4:35
B2 Long Lost Lover
Written-By – C. Gilbert, K. Gamble, L. Huff
2:58
B3 Here I Am
Written-By – C. Gilbert, L. Huff
3:58
B4 TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
3:45
B5 Loving Cup
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff, S. Andrews
3:04
Label: Philadelphia International – PIR 69137
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
The Three Degrees
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
4:33
A2 Can't You See What You're Doing To Me
Arranged By – Lenny Pakula
Written-By – B. Hawes, J. B. Jefferson
2:31
A3 A Woman Needs A Good Man
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Written-By – B. Sigler, M. Jackson, M. Farrow
4:19
A4 When Will I See You Again
Arranged By – Bobby Martin
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
2:58
B1 I Didn't Know
Arranged By – Richard Rome
Written-By – B. Sigler, J. Lang
2:50
B2 I Like Being A Woman
Arranged By – Richard Rome
Written-By – B. Hawes, J. B. Jefferson
3:56
B3 If And When
Arranged By – Lenny Pakula
Written-By – B. Sigler, J. B. Jefferson
7:07
B4 Year Of Decision
Arranged By – Norman Harris
Written-By – K. Gamble, L. Huff
2:42
Label: Philadelphia International Records – KZ 32406
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
The Three Degrees' self-titled 1973 Philadelphia International Records album is generally praised as a classic Philly Soul/disco blend, showcasing their gorgeous harmonies and smooth vocals, with standout tracks like "Dirty Old Man" and" When Will I See You Again," though some critics find later albums better or note dated elements in tracks.
Reviewers highlight its seamless mix of soul and dance-floor magic, often calling it a masterpiece for its pure vocals and timeless sound, earning it top marks from sources like AllMusic.
It's seen as a prime example of the genre, blending heavenly soul with disco and R&B, featuring the legendary MFSB as the backing band. The trio's tight harmonies, precise singing, and ability to deliver both soulful ballads and dance tracks are consistently praised.
The album features the iconic "When Will I See You Again," their massive international hit, and" Dirty Old Man," a huge dance hit. Produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff, the album is lauded as a great production, though some reviewers prefer their other Gamble & Huff records.
While considered a classic, some tracks, especially compared to their earlier Philadelphia International work, are noted as potentially sounding dated to modern ears, though the core quality remains.
Fans love it for evoking memories, having great sound quality, and showcasing the group's vocal and performance skills. Many consider it a masterpiece, showcasing the best of Philly soul and disco fusion.