Valerie Holiday from The Three Degrees
from The Three Degrees talks friendships, modern music and the unusual secret behind the band’s success, as they tour the UK
Ambitions change
Initially I didn’t want to be a singer, I wanted to be a paediatric nurse. I loved babies and had a job through high school in a hospital which I really enjoyed. But one summer my mother entered me into a competition called Black America and the sponsor of the contest liked me and my voice and started booking me for gigs. From there it mushroomed and I became a singer.
■ Hard work pays
When I joined The Three Degrees just out of school I had to grow up quickly. Our manager, Richard Barrett, was a task master so we learned discipline early. Richard insisted we isolate ourselves from other groups of the time so we could be completely unique from all the other female acts. So instead of watching or socialising with other groups, our time was spent rehearsing and perfecting our craft.
■ Treasure friends old and new
I’ve been in the band with Helen Scott for 40 years and I think we’re closer than sisters because we’ve lived in each other’s pockets so long. When Sheila [Ferguson] left it was difficult to find a replacement but Freddie [Pool] who came in in 2011 was a great match. She has a beautiful personality and it works because we’re three different styles and voices – mirroring the name The Three Degrees.
■ We have a responsibility
One of the reasons for the success of the band was that the lyrics resonated with
people and it was nothing you had to cover your child’s ears for. I think innocence in music is something we’ve lost and I feel sorry for today’s generation. Everyone should be able to create whatever kind of music they like but they should remember they’re influencing people and have to be responsible for that.
Performing is even better now
I love performing onstage today even more than I did back at the height of The Three Degrees fame because everyone knows the songs and sings along, which makes it more fun. Many fans have passed down our music to their children and grandchildren, too, which is really humbling. I don’t want to retire because I love what I do. When I’m on stage and see the audience clapping, it’s just euphoric.
■ The Three Degrees will be performing nationwide for the 40 Years of Disco 2 Arena Tour, alongside The Trammps, Village People and The Real Thing, March 21-24. To book contact your local arena or visit www.seetickets.com/tour/40years-of-disco-2
■ Valerie was talking to Katharine Wootton