The Fuzz (band)

(Redirected from The Passionettes)

The Fuzz was an American female vocal trio from Washington, D.C. They started out in 1970 as The Passionettes, but changed their name when they signed to Calla Records in 1971.[1] Their self-titled debut, which came out that year, was significant in that it was one of the first "concept" albums by a female artist and interspersed monologues (then referred to as "raps") and musical selections, built around a theme comparing love to the four seasons. Further, most of the songs were written by a group member (Shelia Young). The group had a great influence on the style Love Unlimited would later popularize under the tutelage of Barry White. The single "I Love You for All Seasons" went Top 10 on the US Billboard R&B chart and peaked at #21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[2] The follow-up single, "Like an Open Door", hit #14 on the R&B chart, and after releasing two more singles with little or no success, they disbanded in 1972.[3] The group reunited in the 1990s and performed at the Art Leboe Concert Hall in California with a new member on September 11, 2010, more than two years after the death of Barbara Gilliam, and with Val Williams and two new members at The WAVE's Love Affair Concert at Honda Center, Anaheim, California on February 11, 2017.

The Fuzz
Background information
GenresR&B
Years active1970 (1970)–1972 (1972)
LabelsCalla
Past membersSheila Young
Val Williams
Barbara Gilliam
Danielle Angelique Mims

Members

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  • Sheila Young (born 16th August 1951)
  • Val Williams (born 26th March 1951)
  • Barbara Gilliam (born 16th August 1952 Washington D.C, USA, died August 4, 2008, Alexandria, Virginia)[1]
  • Danielle Angelique Mims

Discography

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Albums

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Year Album US Pop US R&B Record label
1971 The Fuzz 196 43 Calla Records

Singles

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Year Title Peak chart
positions
Record Label B-side Album
US Pop US R&B AUS[4]
1970 "Sister Watch Yourself"
(as The Passionettes)
Uni Records "Stand by Your Man"
1970 "I Love You for All Seasons" 21 10 100 Calla Records "I Love You for All Seasons"
(Instrumental)
The Fuzz
1971 "Like an Open Door" 77 14 "Leave It All Behind Me"
"I'm So Glad" 95 35 "All About Love"
1972 "Mr. Heartaches and Miss Tears" "Do Just What You Can"

References

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  1. ^ a b Thedeadrockstarsclub.com - accessed December 2010
  2. ^ Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
  3. ^ Biography, Allmusic.com
  4. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 120. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.