The Emotions facts for kids

The Emotions are an American singing group from Chicago. They are known for their soul and R&B music. The group began by singing gospel music. Later, they became famous for their R&B and disco songs. VH1 once called The Emotions one of the most important girl groups ever.

History of The Emotions

Starting Out

The group first sang gospel music. They were called the Hutchinson Sunbeams. They toured with their father, Joe Hutchinson. The Sunbeams even sang on a TV show called "Children's Gospel." They also performed with the famous singer Mahalia Jackson.

Later, they became an R&B and Soul group. They became very popular in their hometown of Chicago. The group changed their name to The Emotions. In the late 1960s, they signed with Stax Records.

Their first album, So I Can Love You, came out in 1969. It was produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. The album's main song, "So I Can Love You," was a big hit. It reached No. 3 on the R&B charts. Another song, "The Best Part Of A Love Affair," also did well.

In 1970, they released "Heart Association." This song reached No. 29 on the Soul Songs chart. Their second album, Untouched, came out in 1972. A song from it, "Show Me How," reached No. 13 on the Soul Songs chart. Also in 1972, "My Honey and Me" reached No. 18 on the Soul Songs chart.

The Emotions also appeared in the 1973 movie Wattstax. They performed the song "Peace Be Still." The movie was even nominated for a Golden Globe. In 1975, Stax Records closed down, so the group left the label.

Big Success

The group then joined Columbia Records. Here, they started working with Maurice White from the band Earth, Wind & Fire. This led to their biggest success.

In 1976, The Emotions released their album Flowers. Maurice White and Charles Stepney produced it. Flowers reached No. 5 on the R&B Albums chart. It was also certified Gold, meaning it sold over 500,000 copies. The song "Flowers" was a hit. Another song, "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love," reached No. 4 on the Dance Club Songs chart.

After Charles Stepney passed away in 1976, Maurice White continued to produce for The Emotions. In 1977, they released Rejoice. This album reached No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart. Rejoice was certified Platinum, selling over 1 million copies.

The album included the song "Don't Ask My Neighbors," which was a top ten R&B hit. Their most famous song, "Best of My Love," reached No. 1 on both the Pop and R&B charts. It also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. "Best of My Love" was also certified Platinum.

In 1978, The Emotions released Sunbeam. This album reached No. 12 on the Soul Albums chart. It was also certified Gold. A song from the album called "Smile" reached No. 6 on the Hot Soul Songs chart.

In 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Emotions teamed up for the song "Boogie Wonderland". This song was a huge hit, reaching No. 6 on the Hot 100 chart. "Boogie Wonderland" was also certified Gold. Later that year, The Emotions released Come into Our World. Maurice White produced this album too. It reached No. 35 on the R&B Albums chart. A song from it, "What's the Name of Your Love?," reached No. 30 on the R&B chart.

Wanda and Jeanette Hutchinson sang on Jennifer Holliday's album Feel My Soul in 1983. Pamela and Wanda also sang on Earth, Wind & Fire's album Electric Universe in 1983.

The Emotions released their album Sincerely in 1984. It reached No. 3 on the UK Blues & Soul chart. The song "You're the One" was a hit. Another song, "You're the Best," reached No. 33 on the Dance Club Songs chart. In 1985, they released If I Only Knew on Motown Records.

The group continued to work with other artists. They sang on Tyler Collins' 1989 album Girls Nite Out. They also appeared on Earth, Wind & Fire's 1990 album Heritage. The Emotions also sang on albums by Nancy Wilson, Urban Knights, LL Cool J, George Duke, and the Gospel Gangstaz. In 1998, they were on an episode of Motown Live. They also appeared on Smokey Robinson's album Intimate in 1999.

In 2000, Pamela Hutchinson rejoined the group. In 2001, they received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. The Emotions sang on Earth, Wind & Fire's 2003 album The Promise. A song from that album, "All in the Way," was a hit. In 2004, they performed "Best Of My Love" on a TV special with Patti LaBelle. Also in 2004, their album Songs of Innocence and Experience, which was planned for 1973, was finally released.

The Emotions worked with rapper Snoop Dogg on his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. They also appeared on Terrace Martin's album Velvet Portraits in 2016.

Pamela's Passing

Pamela Hutchinson, a member of The Emotions, passed away on September 18, 2020. She was 61 years old.

The Emotions' Legacy

The music of The Emotions has been used by many famous rappers. This is called "sampling," where a part of an old song is used in a new one. Some of the rappers who have sampled their music include 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 B.I.G..

Other artists have also sampled their songs, such as Toni Braxton, 112, Mariah Carey, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Mary J Blige, Ginuwine, Keyshia Cole, Tamia, and Janet Jackson.

The Emotions' songs have also been covered by other singers. This means other artists have sung their own versions of The Emotions' songs. Some of these artists are Phoebe Snow, Minnie Riperton, Marcia Hines, Patti La Belle, Maysa, The Temptations, Will Downing, Nancy Wilson, and Bobby Caldwell.

The Emotions have also inspired many other artists. These include En Vogue, Anita Baker, Shanice, Regina Belle, Lalah Hathaway, Jade, Erykah Badu, Kirk Whalum, Sheena Easton, Teena Marie, and Fantasia.

Awards and Honors

Grammy Awards

Rhythm & Blues Foundation

Discography

See also

In Spanish: The Emotions para niños