Honey Cone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Honey Cone
The Honey Cone in a 1972 promotional picture: Carolyn Willis, Edna Wright and Shelly Clark
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul disco
Years active	1968–1973 1976 2014 (Soul Train Cruise)
Labels	Hot Wax
Past members	Edna Wright (1968–73) Carolyn Willis (1968–73) Shelly Clark (1968–73) Sharon Cash (1976)

Honey Cone was an American R&B and soul girl group. It was formed in 1968 by lead singer Edna Wright, Carolyn Willis, and Shelly Clark. Edna Wright was the sister of famous singer Darlene Love. The group is best known for their number-one hit song, "Want Ads", in 1971. Honey Cone was the top female group for Hot Wax Records. This record label was started by Holland–Dozier–Holland after they left Motown Records.

The Story of Honey Cone

How the Group Started

The three singers, Edna Wright, Carolyn Willis, and Shelly Clark, already had experience singing. They had been part of other groups and worked in music studios.

In 1968, they appeared together on an Andy Williams TV special. Edna Wright's sister, Darlene Love, was supposed to be on the show. But she couldn't make it. So, Darlene asked Edna to fill in for her. Edna then asked Carolyn and Shelly to join her.

Edna also invited Eddie Holland to watch the show. Eddie Holland had recently left Motown Records. He had started a new record company called HDH Records with Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier. Eddie was very impressed by the trio. He signed them to his new label, Hot Wax Records.

At first, Eddie offered Edna a solo contract. But she preferred to be in a group. Holland then named the group "Honey Cone." He chose this name because it was his favorite ice cream flavor. The group members didn't like the name at first. But Holland convinced them, and they soon liked how unique it sounded. Even though the group was based in Los Angeles, their songs were recorded in Detroit. Most of their songs were written by General Johnson and Edna's boyfriend at the time, Greg Perry.

Honey Cone was influenced by groups like Martha and the Vandellas and The Marvelettes. These were popular female groups from Motown Records in the 1960s. Honey Cone wanted their sound to be a mix of sweet and strong.

Before Honey Cone: Their Musical Journeys

Each member of Honey Cone had a musical background before joining the group.

Edna Wright grew up in Los Angeles. She started singing in church in 1960. Through her sister, Darlene Love, she met producer Phil Spector. Edna recorded her first song in 1964. She also sang as a backing vocalist for famous artists. These included the Righteous Brothers, Johnny Rivers, and Ray Charles. Ray Charles even asked her to join his group, the Raelettes.

Carolyn Willis started singing when she was 16. She was part of a girl group called the Girlfriends. They released one song in 1963. Carolyn also did studio work with artists like Lou Rawls. Both Carolyn and Edna were also members of Darlene Love's group, The Blossoms.

Shelly Clark was born in Brooklyn. She began her career at just six years old. She even released an album of children's songs with her brother in 1957. At age seven, Shelly performed in a Broadway musical. Her family moved to Los Angeles in 1957. She later became an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. She also danced on tour with Little Richard and Dusty Springfield. In 1969, she became a regular singer and dancer on The Jim Nabors Show.

Their Big Hits and Success

Honey Cone's first song, "While You're Out Looking for Sugar," was also the first song released on Hot Wax Records. It became a hit on the R&B charts. Their next song, "Girls, It Ain't Easy," did even better.

Their fifth song, "Want Ads," was their biggest success. It reached number one on both the R&B and pop charts. It sold over one million copies! This earned them a gold disc in May 1971. After this, the group started headlining their own shows. They performed all over the United States, including at the famous Apollo Theatre.

In the same year, Honey Cone had another number-one R&B hit. This was with the song "Stick-Up," which also sold over one million copies. In 1971, Honey Cone was named The Best Female Vocal Group. This award was given by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers. More hits followed in 1972, like "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show" and "The Day I Found Myself."

Why Honey Cone Ended

In 1973, Carolyn Willis became unhappy with the songs the group was recording. She decided to leave the group. Honey Cone tried to find a replacement for her. But they felt the group's special chemistry was gone. So, the group broke up before the end of 1973. Hot Wax Records also faced financial problems and closed down soon after.

In 1976, Hot Wax tried to bring the label back. They released a song by Honey Cone, but it didn't feature any of the original members.

What They Did Next

After Honey Cone: Solo Paths

After Honey Cone, the members went on to do other things in music and entertainment.

Edna Wright released a solo album in 1977. She then went back to being a session singer. She recorded and performed with artists like Annie Lennox and Whitney Houston. In later years, Edna performed as "Edna Wright and The Honey Cone" with other singers. She passed away on September 12, 2020.

Carolyn Willis was a featured singer on the Seals and Crofts hit song "Get Closer" in 1976. She also recorded jingles for big companies like Toyota. Carolyn toured and recorded with many artists. These included Neil Diamond and Carly Simon.

Shelly Clark married Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White in 1980. She later worked as a production coordinator and casting director for TV shows. She also started her own company that represents celebrities.

Reunions and Legacy

The original members of Honey Cone tried to reunite in the 1990s. But Carolyn Willis decided not to join.

In February 2014, Edna Wright and Shelly Clark White reunited. They performed on the Soul Train Cruise. Edna's daughter, Melodye Perry, joined them. They sang their hit songs and even covered an Earth, Wind & Fire song. This was a tribute to Shelly's husband, Verdine White.

After Edna Wright passed away in 2020, Shelly Clark White continued the group's legacy. She now performs as Honey Cone with two new singers. They continue to tour and perform the group's hits. In 2022, they were honored at The HAL Awards in Los Angeles.

Awards and Recognition

• Gold Records:

* On May 14, 1971, Honey Cone received a Gold Record for their song "Want Ads." It sold one million copies. * On September 23, 1971, they received another Gold Record for "Stick-Up." This song also sold a million copies.

• National Rhythm and Blues Music Society Unsung Heroine Award: On September 18, 2016, Honey Cone was honored with this award.
• Heroes and Legends Award (HAL): On September 24, 2017, Shelly Clark and Edna Wright received this award for their music as Honey Cone.
• Soul Music Hall Of Fame: On January 8, 2021, Honey Cone was inducted into the Soul Music Hall Of Fame Class of 2020.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Singles

Television Appearances

Honey Cone appeared on several TV shows during their career:

• 1968 - The Andy Williams Show - as Back-up Singers.
• 1970 - Soul! (TV Series)
• 1971 - Soul Train TV Show, Season 1 | Episode 1.
• 1971 - American Bandstand (TV Series), Episode #14.49.
• 1971 - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
• 1972 - The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, Episode #2.6.
• 1972 - American Bandstand (TV Series), Episode #15.32.
• 1972 - The Merv Griffin Show (TV Series), Season 9 | Episode 82.
• 1972 - Soul Train TV Show, Season 1 | Episode 17.
• 1973 - Midnight Special TV Show, Season 1 | Episode 9.
• 1973 - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
• 1973 - Soul Train TV Show, Season 2 | Episode 24.
• 2013 - My Music: '70s & '80s Soul Rewind (TV Movie) - (archive footage).