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The obituary notice of FAYETTE PINKNEY

National | Published: Online.

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FAYETTE PINKNEYFayette Pinkney, who died on 27 June, 2009, aged 61, was a founding and long-serving member of the Philadelphia soul group The Three Degrees.
The trio’s claims to fame included the worldwide hit When Will I See You Again, the theme tune of the television show Soul Train and being Prince Charles’ favourite band.
They were formed in 1963 while Ms Pinkney was still at high school. She was the only constant member during the band’s heyday, performing with six different girls between their debut single and 1976 when she left the band to complete her education.
In that time The Three Degrees had some minor hits during the 1960s before becoming leading exponents of the Philly Soul sound in the ’70s.
When Will I See You Again spent two weeks at the top of the UK charts, making them the first girl group to have a British number one since The Supremes a decade earlier. This success resulted in them performing at Prince Charles’ 30th birthday and years later his wedding to Princess Diana.
Other hits during this period included Year of Decision (1974) and Take Good Care of Yourself (1975), as well the Mother Father Sister Brother anthem TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) on which they sang scat vocals in 1974.
They toured worldwide and released live albums made at venues from Leicester to Tokyo. Despite the frequent line-up changes, The Three Degrees were lauded for their tight harmony singing as well as their versatility, recording numbers in French, Spanish and even Japanese.
After leaving the group Ms Pinkney recorded a solo album called One Degree (1979) then earned a master’s degree in human services from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. She subsequently worked as an educational administrator, as well as a vocal coach and performer with a touring gospel choir.
She said shortly before her death, “Yes, I do still love people and I love to make them smile.”
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Published: 01/07/2009
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I remember Fayette from Overbrook High. She lived around the corner from me. She never let fame change her. She was always so sweet, caring, & kind. A truly Beautiful Soul.
Diane E. Myers
04/08/2018
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Diane E. Myers
04/08/2018
Tribute photo for Fayette Pinkney
The Three Degrees
funeral-notices.co.uk
31/01/2014
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I had the pleasure of meeting Fayette after a concert in the 1970@s in stockport.She was very sweet and had time for her fans as well as having a beautiful voice.The 3 degrees were never the same after she left.I still watch the old songs on you tube and remember the group at their best, with Fayette.Her memory will be alive forever.xx

Mark Whitney
12/10/2011
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Mark Whitney
12/10/2011

I'll never see you again.
I'll never shear,pressures moment's.
Now you gone away..Forever!!

Though i have to suffer...And cry the hold day through.

I'll never see you again.
Your still in my heart for eternity.
When i saw you wave,,,,at your fans.

It was your begining......Until thee end.

I'll never see you again..
I'll never see yoy again-I'll never see you again....
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -----------
Take good care of your self
Take good care of your self,,,we miss your vocals,,,, Everydaaaaayyy.
Your voice is always in my thoughts forever
R.I.P Fayette(Three Degrees)Pinkney xxxxxxxxx
From
Errol Nicholson aka Black Steel

Errol Nicholson
05/07/2009
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Although I never mer Fayette, I have known many other Degrees for nearly 30 years and know that Fayette was a beautiful, kind and well loved lady.She always held my children in very high esteem and was always interested in how thier lives weregoing. She even met my daughter in Philadelphia a couple of years ago. She will be missed by all her fans. I send my condolences to her family and all those who loved her.
RIP Fayette.
Love Judy Levinson and family. UK

Judy Levinson
05/07/2009
Comment

I was fortunate to meet the 3 Degrees when they toured the UK during 1973/4/5, who
included Valerie, Sheila and Fayette.

I got on amazingly with Fayette and Valerie. Fayette was full of life, full of good humor,
full of zest, good natured and absolute fun. We even shared risque jokes behind my wife's back, haha!!!:)

I remember the group singing "Dirty Ol' Man" and pointing their fingers at me in a packed
audience, who were all looking at me!!:) "Dirty, dirty, dirty ol' man. Yeeaah, dirty, dirty,
dirty ol' man ... " and three fingers pointing at me, I ask you!!!:)

I am shattered to read of the passing of Faye. I will always remember the fun we had in
various dressing rooms after the shows I attended {8 of them}. When I think of all those
fun times I'm devastated to learn Faye has left us, and at such an early age {61}.

"Fayette, I will always remember you, princess. I hope the Lord finds you the finest
room in His 'house'. You will be missed by many. Sleep peacefully, honey. XXX"

Russtti Gaynor

e: orbisonkinksdusty@ yahoo.co.uk

34 Mountfield Rd
Finchley
London, N3 3NE
England

Russtti Gaynor
03/07/2009
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The Three Degrees seemed to be the soundtrack of the 1970s at school discos and youth clubs.
Sad to hear of Fayette's death. They struck a blow for girl groups and girl power and were worthy to be called the UK's Supremes.

Tracey Fletcher
01/07/2009
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The Three Degrees - T.S.O.P.
Alex Walker
01/07/2009
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