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Soul Singer Fayette Pinkney Dies at 61

Fayette Pinkney, a soul singer best known as a member of the Three Degrees, died Saturday, June 27th, from acute respiratory failure. She was 61.

Pinkney (pictured on the far, bottom left) joined Shirley Porter and Linda Turner in the Three Degrees in the early '60s, when she was still in high school in Philadelphia. Managed by Richard Barrett, who produced the Chantels and Little Anthony and the Imperials, the group underwent a series of lineup changes with Pinkney remaining the only consistent member. The trio released several singles, including 'Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)' and 'Maybe,' which found success on the Billboard R&B charts before signing with Philadelphia International Records in 1973.

Under label owners Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the Three Degrees provided the vocals for MFSB's 'T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia),' the theme song for the popular television show 'Soul Train,' which reached number one on Billboard's Hot 100 charts. Their 1974 self-titled album would be their biggest seller, featuring the hit 'When Will I See You Again,' which peaked at No. 2.

Pinkney left the group in 1976, and released a solo album, 'One Degree,' in 1979. While continuing to sing occasionally, she went back to school, earning a degree in psychology from Temple University and a Master's in human services from Lincoln University. She later worked as an education coordinator and a counselor.

In a statement, Gamble and Huff called the trio "our Philly sound version of Motown's Supremes -- but bigger and stronger and melodic." They continued, saying Pinkney "had a very strong and soulful voice. She will truly be missed by all of us as a member of one the world's greatest soulful female groups."

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William

Hello all you junior Music Officinado's my teenage 1960'S era years were spent with most of the DEAD REAL SOUL SINGERS and MUSICIANS on the steps of Houses and Apartment Buildings almost all Summer every Summer Harmonizing with people like Sam the Soul man "You Send Me", Frankie "Why Do fools Fall In Love", where we used our Vocal tonalities as Background instruments for the Singers. When it was Illegal for people of Color to Dance on American Bandstand or be seen dancing with the opposite Nationality, not Race we're all of the same Race no matter what Color. My Point,at that time if the Record Company Operators or Owners including the Phil Spector Group didn't like you for some reason your song or songs were Covered by someone who played on their Team. Music was being stolen and there wasn't any method of legally defending yourself.

July 18 2009 at 4:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rigirl777111

I met the 3 Degrees in a tiny club in RI back in the 60's before they made it big. They did 7 shows a week, two shows a night, and I was there for all of them. I followed them to Blinstrub's in Boston (that burned down many years ago) and had the honor of going backstage, having a picture autographed by all three wonderful girls, and having them acknowledge me in the front-row audience.......they remembered me from Rhode Island.

Godspeed Fayette.....you and the other "Degrees" were positively wonderful, extremely talented, and beautiful - inside and out. My deepest condolences to your Family and the "girls". I shall treasure your 8-track taped album ALWAYS.

July 02 2009 at 10:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cashier7501

RIP MY SIS................

July 02 2009 at 4:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eulatwo

I am in the age group that got to see the Three Degrees live. My sympathy to the family. My gratitude to my God for the gift of their music.

July 02 2009 at 3:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
richard

would i be wrong to say the best rock music came in the 60s or maybe even the 50s? but than maybe i'm just giving my age away. ray charles, roy o., dusty springfield, gene pitney, the platters,chuck berry, and so many other greats. in 67 i took the mammas and pappas, and the beatles with me to vietnam, and than cream, jimmy hendrix, and the lead zepplin brought me bank home on a magic carpet ride! now i'm not a big fan of some of the rap. don't get me wrong though, i like rap as long as it's not saying to kill cops, or down grade and belittle women, to me that is garbage i can do without.

July 02 2009 at 2:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
captb55806

To me "When Will I See You Again" is Three Degrees
sigature song.

Rest In Peace

F.P

July 02 2009 at 2:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
E J Fuller

dang. what is with all these famous people dying lately? bummer. R.I.P.

July 02 2009 at 12:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kenny flores

Im in disblief as to hearing that Fayette has passed. Her legacy lives on everytime we hear all the songs she did as a THREE DEGREE. Thanks for the memories......GOD BLESS

July 02 2009 at 12:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
diana12sum

I love their song "when will I see you again"

July 01 2009 at 11:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
steve peeve

a star has been passing every other day let's not forget the every day normal people thousands die every day

RIP! to all who die

July 01 2009 at 11:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply