IT'S not every group that can claim to be King Charles’ favourite, but The Three Degrees can proudly make that statement.
As the longest-running female vocal group in history, the current trio—Valerie Holiday, Freddie Pool, and Jessie Wagner – are set for a European tour with a trip to Carlisle's Old Fire Station on the cards.
After over four decades of touring, Valerie says "they know how to pack for England now".
"We always look forward to touring in England; it’s always fun and you still get the excitement when you hit that stage even after all these years."
Valerie first joined The Three Degrees in 1967, four years after the group’s formation.
"At the time, I was a solo artist, and the group was looking for a replacement. As a single artist, I didn’t like being out by myself, so I was all in for becoming part of a group," she said.
In 1978, during a charity benefit in Eastbourne, the group met King Charles who publically acclaimed The Three Degrees as his favourite group - leading to their affectionate nickname from the press, 'Charlie's Angels'.
“We never expected to be named that.
“We made a few trips to Buckingham Palace, and I think the very first time we tried to present the Queen with a liberty bell – not knowing as Americans you can’t just knock on the gates and be expected to be let in," she said laughing.
The group would go on to be invited to the wedding reception of Princess Diana and Prince Charles where the only other American guest was Nancy Reagan.
The Three Degrees’ storied success and multiple hit records stemmed from aligning their recording fate with Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia International label in 1972, leading to hits like Dirty Ol’ Man and When Will I See You Again.
Gamble and Huff also wrote most of the hits for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O'Jays, and Billy Paul.
“Gamble and Huff, along with other writers, made it possible for us to have a really solid songbook with lots of variety in it, so our music and shows appeal to all ages,” Valerie said.
Solo artist Jessie Wagner, the group's newest addition, is preparing for her first tour with the group having already toured with the likes of Chic and Duran Duran.
Ahead of their return to Carlisle this September, Valerie said: "We’re absolutely looking forward to seeing each and every one of you.
"I want you to bring your party hats and party shoes because when you come to a Three Degrees concert, it’s definitely going to be a party.
"You’ll leave the show hoarse because you’ll be singing the whole time and you’ll leave the show exhausted because you will be dancing the entire time.”
Tickets for the event on September 25 are currently available on the Old Fire Station's website.
VIP tickets, including a meet & greet and photographs, are also available.
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