The Emotions

American soul/R&B vocal group from Chicago, Illinois

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

The Emotions

Also known as| The Hutchinson Sunbeams
Origin| Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres|

* Gospel
* R&B
* soul
* disco
* pop

Years active|

* 1962 (1962)–1985 (1985)
* 1990–present

Labels|

* Stax
* Volt
* Columbia
* Red Label
* Motown

Members|

* Wanda Hutchinson-Vaughn
* Sheila Hutchinson-Witt

Past members|

* Pamela Hutchinson
* Jeanette Hutchinson-Hawes
* Theresa Davis
* Adrianne Harris

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, and now managed by Pervis Staples (formerly with the Staple Singers, another father/children gospel group),[4] they signed with the Memphis-based Volt imprint of Stax Records in the late 1960s.[5][6][7][8] Under the production of Isaac Hayes and David Porter the group issued their 1969 debut album entitled So I Can Love You on Stax.[9]

"So I Can Love You" reached No. 43 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.[10] The album's "title track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 39 on the Hot 100.[11][12] The single, "The Best Part of a Love Affair", peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[12]

In 1970, "Heart Association" was released as single and reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[12] They releaseed their second album, Untouched, in 1972 on Stax Records.[13] "Show Me How" was released as a single from the album and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.[12]

In 1972, the group released three more singles, each reaching the Billboard Soul Singles chart: "My Honey and Me" peaked at No. 18, "I Could Never Be Happy" reached No. 23, and "From Toys to Boys" climbed to No. 37.[12]

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.[14][15][16][17]

### 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.[18] 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.[10][19][20] 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.[21][12]

Following Charles Stepney's death in 1976, White took over producing the Emotions.[5] During June 1977 the group issued their follow up album entitled Rejoice.[22] 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.[23][10][19]

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 and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals, as well as an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single.[11][12][2][24] "Best of My Love" has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.[25]

A compilation album entitled Sunshine was, in November 1977, released by Stax. Sunshine got to No. 39 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[26][10] Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone found the album "is harder edged, more classically soulful than (Rejoice)." John Shearlaw of Record Mirror exclaimed "Old Emotions, new Emotions-they're just as good."[27][28] Covers of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and Carla Thomas' "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" appeared on the album.[29] Whilst the album cut "Shouting Out Love" peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[12]

During April 1978, the Emotions issued Sunbeam, their third studio album on Columbia. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[19][10] John Storm Roberts of High Fidelity stated ""Sunbeam" sparkles with good tracks."[30] 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."[31] At this time, Wanda began dating Brothers Johnson keyboardist Wayne Vaughn, and the two composed "Come into My World" together. They were married in 1980 or '81, and continued to write songs as a team.[32]

Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.[33] An album cut called Smile reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.[12]

During 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with The Emotions on the single "Boogie Wonderland". The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 on the UK Pop Singles and No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs charts.[34][11][12] "Boogie Wonderland" has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA and Platinum in the UK by the BPI.[35][36] "Boogie Wonderland" was also Grammy nominated in the categories of Best R&B Instrumental Performance and Best Disco Recording.[37][2]

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][12][10] As well Maurice White went on to be Grammy nominated in the category of Producer of the Year Non-Classical.[41]

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.[42][43][44]

The Emotions' eighth studio album entitled Sincerely was issued in 1984 on Red Label Records.[45] The album rose to No. 3 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart and No. 33 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.[46][10] Dave Hillson of Blues & Soul said The Emotions "caught the mood of eighties Soul perfectly".[47] Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News declared "this album is top shelf".[48] As a single, "You're the One" reached No. 19 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart, No. 34 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 11 on the UK Physical Singles chart.[49][50][12] Another single called "You're the Best" rose to No. 33 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[21] 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.[51][52]

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.[53][54]

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][55] 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][56][57][58]

During 2000, Pamela eventually rejoined the group.[1] A year later they were bestowed with the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.[59] 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.[60][61][62] As well the group appeared on a 2004 PBS soul music special hosted by Patti LaBelle where they performed "Best Of My Love".[63] Within September of that year, Songs of Innocence and Experience were finally released by Stax.[14]

The Emotions went on to collaborate with rapper Snoop Dogg on a track called "Life" upon his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment.[64] The album has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.[65] The Emotions also appeared as a guest artist upon Terrace Martin's 2016 Grammy nominated album Velvet Portraits.[66][67]

### Pamela's death

[edit]

On September 18, 2020, Pamela Hutchinson died at the age of 61.[68]

## 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 The Notorious B.I.G.[69][70]

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.[69][71][72]

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, backed by The Emotions, and Bobby Caldwell[69]

The Emotions have also influenced artists such as En Vogue,[73] Destiny's Child,[74] Anita Baker,[75][76] Shanice,[77] Regina Belle,[78] Lalah Hathaway,[79] Jade,[80] Erykah Badu,[81] Kirk Whalum,[82] Sheena Easton,[83] Teena Marie[84] and Fantasia.[85]

## 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]

[59]

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result

|
|
|

2001  | Rhythm & Blues Foundation | Pioneer Award  | Won

## Discography

[edit]

Main article: The Emotions discography

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e Dahl, Bill. "The Emotions Biography". AllMusic.
2. ^ a b c d "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. ^ "The Emotions - Stax Records".
5. ^ a b Rockwell, John (August 21, 1977). "An "Emotional" Success Story". The New York Times.
6. ^ "The Emotions". stax.com. Stax Records. April 10, 2019.
7. ^ 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.
8. ^ 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.
9. ^ The Emotions: So I Can Love You. Stax Records. 1969.
10. ^ a b c d e f g "The Emotions: (Top R&B Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
11. ^ a b c "The Emotions Chart History (Billboard Hot 100)". Billboard.
12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The Emotions Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
13. ^ The Emotions: Untouched. Stax Records. 1971.
14. ^ a b Unterberger, Richie. "The Emotions: Songs of Innocence and Experience \- Review". AllMusic.
15. ^ Holmes II, Emory (June 5, 2003). "The Woodstock of soul". Los Angeles Times.
16. ^ Hornaday, Ann (May 28, 2000). "Wattstax: a peaceful explosion of soul". baltimoresun.com. Baltimore Sun.
17. ^ "1974 Golden Globes". goldenglobes.com. The Golden Globes.
18. ^ The Emotions: Flowers. Columbia Records. June 1976.
19. ^ a b c "The Emotions; (Billboard 200)". billboard.com. Billboard.
20. ^ "The Emotions: Flowers". riaa.com. RIAA.
21. ^ a b "The Emotions: (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.com.
22. ^ The Emotions: Rejoice. Columbia Records. June 1977.
23. ^ "The Emotions: Rejoice". riaa.com. RIAA.
24. ^ "The Emotions". theamas.com. American Music Awards.
25. ^ "The Emotions: Best of My Love". riaa.com. RIAA.
26. ^ The Emotions: Sunshine. Stax Records. November 1977.
27. ^ Shearlaw, John (February 4, 1978). "The Emotions: Sunshine" (PDF). Record Mirror. p. 12 – via americanradiohistory.com.
28. ^ Marsh, Dave (December 15, 1977). "Hot Rods' album relies on originals". The Daily Item. Rolling Stone. p. 7 – via newspapers.com.
29. ^ "Sunshine by The Emotions". secondhandsongs.com.
30. ^ Storm Roberts, John (November 1978). "The Emotions: Sunbeam" (PDF). americanradiohistory.com. Vol. 28, no. 11\. High Fidelity Magazine. p. 159.
31. ^ Clark, Glenn (September 30, 1978). "The Emotions: Sunbeam". newspapers.com. Morning Call. p. 52.
32. ^ Tenkanen, Ismo. "The Emotions Stordy part 2". Soul Express. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
33. ^ "The Emotions: Sunbeam". riaa.com. RIAA.
34. ^ "BOOGIE WONDERLAND by EARTH, WIND AND FIRE WITH THE EMOTIONS". Official Charts.
35. ^ "EARTH, WIND & FIRE; BOOGIE WONDERLAND". RIAA. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
36. ^ "Earth Wind & Fire; Boogie Wonderland". BPI. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
37. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. June 28, 2023.
38. ^ The Emotions: Come into Our World. Columbia Records. October 1979.
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. ^ "Maurice White". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. June 28, 2023.
42. ^ Jennifer Holliday: Feel My Soul. Geffen Records. 1983.
43. ^ "Jennifer Holliday". grammy.com. The Recording Academy. June 28, 2023.
44. ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Electric Universe. Columbia Records. 1983.
45. ^ The Emotions: Sincerely. Red Label Records. 1984.
46. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. April 24, 1984.
47. ^ Hillson, Dave. "The Emotions: Sincerely". bluesandsoul.com. Blues & Soul.
48. ^ Wyatt, Hugh (June 1, 1984). "The Emotions: Sincerely". newspapers.com. New York Daily News. p. 470.
49. ^ "The Emotions - You Are The One". Official Charts.
50. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. March 27, 1984.
51. ^ The Emotions: If I Only Knew. Motown Records. 1985.
52. ^ Blues & Soul Hiplist. Blues & Soul. April 16, 1985.
53. ^ "Tyler Collins: Girls Nite Out". genius.com.
54. ^ "Tyler Collins: (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". billboard.com.
55. ^ "L.L. Cool J: Mr. Smith". riaa.
56. ^ "Smokey Robinson". grammy.com. June 28, 2023.
57. ^ "Smokey Robinson: Intimate". AllMusic.
58. ^ Reiss, Randy (October 27, 1998). "R&B Trio's Success a Matter of Divine Intervention". mtv.com. MTV.[dead link]
59. ^ a b "Pioneer Awards (2001)". bridgeagencynyc.com. Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
60. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard.com.
61. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: (Adult Contemporary Songs)". Billboard.com.
62. ^ Peschek, David (April 9, 2004). "Earth, Wind and Fire, The Promise". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
63. ^ "70s Soul Superstars". PBS Hawaii. March 3, 2020.
64. ^ Snoop Dogg: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment (Bonus Tracks). Doggy style/Geffen Records. 2006.
65. ^ "Snoop Dogg: Tha Blue Carpet Treatment". riaa.com.
66. ^ "Terrace Martin: Velvet Portraits". AllMusic.
67. ^ "Terrace Martin". grammy.com. RIAA.
68. ^ "'Best of My Love' Emotions Singer Pamela Hutchinson Dead at 61". Tmz.com. September 20, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
69. ^ a b c "The Emotions". secondhandsongs.com.
70. ^ 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.
71. ^ "The Emotions". genius.com.
72. ^ Frere-Jones, Sasha (April 3, 2006). "Mariah Carey's record-breaking career". The New Yorker. Retrieved October 28, 2012.
73. ^ 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.
74. ^ Cho, Jaeki. "9th Wonder Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records". Complex.
75. ^ Johnson, Connie (December 29, 1986). "Anita Baker breaks out of Pop pack". Los Angeles Times.
76. ^ 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.
77. ^ "I Love Your Smile, Voice Coach Sally b. Interviews Legendary R&b Star, Shanice". blogtalkradio.com. October 24, 2015.
78. ^ "BELLE EPOQUE RISE OF REGINA". Washington Post.
79. ^ "Lalah Hathaway". twitter.com.
80. ^ 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.
81. ^ Powell, Betsy (June 4, 1997). "Erykah Badu makes up date". Toronto Star. p. D5. ProQuest 437695043.
82. ^ "Kirk Whalum On The Emotions: Best Soul Girl Groups Countdown". yahoo.com. June 15, 2012.
83. ^ 'Fabulous Easton turns Dance Diva. Vol. 112\. Billboard Magazine. November 11, 2000. pp. 18 & 24.
84. ^ "TEENA MARIE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH 'CONGO SQUARE'". eurweb.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009.
85. ^ "The Making of an Idol". Time. May 16, 2004.

* v
* t
* e

The Emotions

Studio albums|

* So I Can Love You (1969)
* Untouched (1972)
* Flowers (1976)
* Rejoice (1977)
* Sunbeam (1978)
* Come into Our World (1979)
* Sincerely (1984)
* If I Only Knew (1985)

Compilation albums|

* Sunshine (1977)

Singles|

* "So I Can Love You"
* "Heart Association"
* "Show Me How"
* "My Honey and Me"
* "Flowers"
* "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love"
* "Best of My Love"
* "Don't Ask My Neighbors"
* "Smile"
* "Shouting Out Love"
* "What's the Name of Your Love?"
* "You're the One"
* "You're the Best"

Collaborations|

* "Boogie Wonderland"
* "All in the Way"

Related articles|

* Discography
* Wattstax
* Earth, Wind & Fire

* v
* t
* e

American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Song

1970s|

* "Superstition" – Stevie Wonder (1974)
* "Midnight Train to Georgia" – Gladys Knight & the Pips (1975)
* "Get Down Tonight" – KC and the Sunshine Band (1976)
* "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" – Lou Rawls / "Play That Funky Music" – Wild Cherry (1977)
* "Best of My Love" – The Emotions (1978)
* "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" – Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams (1979)

1980s|

* "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" – Michael Jackson (1980)
* "Upside Down" – Diana Ross (1981)
* "Endless Love" – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (1982)
* "Sexual Healing" – Marvin Gaye (1983)
* "All Night Long (All Night)" – Lionel Richie (1984)
* "When Doves Cry" – Prince (1985)
* "You Give Good Love" – Whitney Houston (1986)
* "Nasty" – Janet Jackson (1987)
* "Bad" – Michael Jackson (1988)
* "Nice 'n' Slow" – Freddie Jackson (1989)

1990s|

* "Miss You Much" – Janet Jackson (1990)
* "U Can't Touch This" – MC Hammer (1991)
* "I Wanna Sex You Up" – Color Me Badd (1992)
* "Remember the Time" – Michael Jackson (1993)
* "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston (1994)
* "I'll Make Love to You" – Boyz II Men (1995)

2010s|

* "Work" – Rihanna featuring Drake (2016)
* "That's What I Like" – Bruno Mars (2017)
* "Finesse (Remix)" – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B (2018)
* "Talk" – Khalid (2019)

2020s|

* "Heartless" – The Weeknd (2020)
* "Leave the Door Open" – Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) (2021)
* "Essence" – Wizkid featuring Tems (2022)
* "Saturn" – SZA (2025)

Between 1996–2015, the category was retired.

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

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