Salute To VAN McCOY - Part 2: FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

[Philles/Motown Gary]

FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY [[From Left to Right: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry)


F A I T H, H O P E. & C H A R I T Y

For most of us, back-up singers are every bit as important to a song as the lead vocalist. Phil Spector had The Blossoms to enhance his Gold Star "Wall Of Sound" masterpieces, Motown had The Andantes working overtime in the Hitsville "Snakepit", Philly Soul had The Sweethearts Of Sigma adding their angelic vocals to support The Sound Of Philadelphia, Barry White had the elegance of Love Unlimited, and -- lucky for us -- Van McCoy had the exquisite soulfulness of Faith, Hope & Charity! He kept them busy, too -- 1) backing up his own albums, 2) featuring them on their own albums; and 3) utilizing their talents on all of his productions on countless other artists during the '70s.

Coming soon will be "VAN McCOY - Part 3: Van's Artists" who will be listed in alphabetical order by ARTIST -- starting with his group ANACOSTIA and ending with ZULEMA. Again, all ARTISTS will be listed alphabetically, and each ALBUM and/or SINGLE within each artist will be listed chronologically.

Since PART 3 is so large, it may be necessary to post it in segments. Will know more when the time comes.

[NOTE to Readers: I'm including only the artists and recordings that I have in my personal CD collection.]

Again, thanks a million to Kenny for taking on the uploading chores. Without him, this salute to Van McCoy wouldn't be possible.

- Philles/Motown Gary

----------------------------


FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY BIOGRAPHY

NOTE: ALL information contained within the Faith, Hope & Charity biography is credited to WIKI, and can be found in the link below.

Faith, Hope & Charity Chapters are as follows:

Career
Post-FH&C
Discography
Note
References
Further Reading

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_Hope_and_Charity_[[US_band)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Faith, Hope & Charity"
RECORD LABEL: Maxwell - ML 88002
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1970

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Zulema Cusseaux [[Faith, Hope & Charity)


1) "So Much Love"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/F-MDpj5vPKo

2) "Let's Try It Over"
[[Brenda Hilliard - Albert Bailey - Zulema Cusseaux)
https://youtu.be/ms4yBb33V2g

3) "Baby Don't Take Your Love"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/3YT6u2HR__U

4) "Something"
[[G. Harrison)
[Audio N/A]

5) "The Wings Of Love"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/ZWgb3wVDIpw

6) "I'm Gonna Love You)
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/Oov1-NmZ9SI

7) "That Lonely Feeling"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/66LxvFVDEpI

8) "Make Love To Me"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/nXd1yInnXLg

9) "Johnny Come Lately"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/G5uXZSh6taE

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Heavy Love"
RECORD LABEL: Sussex - SXBS 7019
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1972

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Zulema Cusseaux [[Faith, Hope & Charity)


1) "We Can Change The World"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/uV66fXq3_m4

2) "Heavy Love"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/X9WNapHoW2M

3) "I Was There"
[[Zulema Cusseaux)
https://youtu.be/8I_fi7x930s

4) "Come Back And Finish What You Starred"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/ogAMODJLxEE

5) "I Worship The Very Ground You Walk On"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/W8fUjXtZpbQ

6) "Who Could Love You More Than I"
[[Brenda Hilliard - Albert Bailey - Zulema Cusseaux)
https://youtu.be/HxLQN9XPvPI

7) "No Trespassing"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/BTXzio0El_U

8) "God Bless The World"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/Z4Itmm1kbls

9) "Who Made You Go"
[[Zulema Cusseaux)
https://youtu.be/YEGDgrb9qkc

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Faith, Hope & Charity"
RECORD LABEL: RCA - APL1-1100
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1975

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity)


1) "Let's Go To The Disco"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/5g4GG3ljjPo

2) "Just One Look"
[[Doris Psyne - Gregory Carroll)
https://youtu.be/7OJXnMJwcFA

3) "Find A Way"
[[Van McCoy - Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/LilvPfUJ8cU

4) "Don't Go Looking For Love"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/sQhanmhsYuw

5) "Mellow Me"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/sapCn-8Dk70

6) "Disco Dan"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/cctZRxSbjw4

7) "Rescue Me"
[[C. Smith - R. Miner)
https://youtu.be/NnZmpH9oCCg

8) "A Little Bit Of Love"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/zBROANTQE14

9) "To Each His Own"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/cRmVaNp21kc

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Life Goes On"
RECORD LABEL: RCA - APL1-1827
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1976

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Zulema


1) "Life Goes On"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/TIZBVSlnv4A

2) "Gradually"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/ZzoomOS8Xi0

3) "I Want A Man"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/9Dn6vD9rjVk

4) "Positive Thinking"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/J66g6BB2l18

5) "You're My Peace Of Mind"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/znRQk9u6sFM

6) "Cherish" / "Monday, Monday"
[[J. Phillips)
https://youtu.be/Ue9Nq_-FazU

7) "You've Gotta Tell Her"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/0cCtevSBusc

8) "Just Wanted To Say I Love You"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/L_3OD0dOtak

9) "A Time For Celebration"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/Gxun2Oz_zfg


BONUS TRACKS:

10) "Life Goes On"
[[12" Version)
https://youtu.be/fEjET6_oWWc

11) "You're My Peace Of Mind"
[[12" Version)
https://youtu.be/CYhoKd7YgFw

12) "Gradually"
[[12" Version)
https://youtu.be/Nxu64by0zJs

13) "Positive Thinking"
[[12" Version)
https://youtu.be/ivn_D9Use64

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Faith, Hope & Charity""
RECORD LABEL: 20th Century - T-560
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1978

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Zulema


1) "How Can I Help But Love You"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/yu93cTT_WbA

2) "People In Love Oughta Be Together"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/afY4N41RZCs

3) "I'm Ready For A New Love"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/Wu2j1a7VAlo

4) "Keep Me Baby"
[[M. Taylor - K. Hendrick)
https://youtu.be/HJO5Jj1pYE8

5) "Find What You Need"
[[Van McCoy - R. Harris)
https://youtu.be/zPj6knnw1rs

6) "Don't Pity Me"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/ikJi8Bb7D-c

7) "You Never Were My Friend"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/kOHDe7ZOcek

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Diane tickling Van's fancy as Brenda & Albert laugh it up! [[Wish we knew what was being said!)


The Chancellor Of Soul Mike Boone on Van McCoy [[Part 1)


The Chancellor Of Soul Mike Boone on Van McCoy [[Part 2)


"The Disco Scene Of 1976" including two brief interviews with Van McCoy.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Faith, Hope & Charity at the Steel Pier.
[[1975)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

It isn't often we get to see Van McCoy and Faith, Hope & Charity in action. Their performances on the following Don Kirshner's New Rock Concert from February 8, 1977, make up for lost time!



The featured guests include Van McCoy with Faith, Hope & Charity. Also starring the groups Queen and Brass Construction. For your convenience, I've broken down the exact time spots where each group performs as listed below. [[Use the YouTube timings-- NOT the New Rock Concert timings which are constantly flashing throughout.) This is an extremely rare treat. Enjoy!

1:12 - 2:09 = INTRO
4:33 - 5:02 = Don Kirshner
5:03 - 9:36 = Van McCoy w/Faith, Hope & Charity [[Medley: Party / Get Dancin' / Disco Baby / Turn This Mother Out / Party)
9:56 - 14:32 = Van McCoy [[Night Walk)
16:36 - 17:08 = Don Kirshner
17:08 - 26:16 = Queen [[Sweet Lady / Someone To Love)
39:03 - 39:18 = Don Kirshner
39:18 - 51:06 = Brass Construction [[Changin' / Get Up To Get Down)
53:50 - 54:16 = Van McCoy introducing FH&C
54:16 - 57:36 = Faith, Hope & Charity [[Life Goes On)
1:01:24 - 1:06:23 = Faith, Hope & Charity [[To Each His Own)
1:08:37 - 1:13:02 = Van McCoy [[African Symphony)
1:15:07 - 1:22:03 = Van McCoy w/Faith, Hope & Charity [[Medley: Rhythms Of The World / Soul Cha Cha / The Hustle / Change With The Times)
1:24:08 - 1:29:03 = Brass Construction [[Ha Cha Cha Funktion)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks for your patience, folks. The uploads are complete, and any and all last-minute corrections have been made. Please feel free to add your questions and comments.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Boogie, check out the Faith, Hope & Charity tracks and the videos in this Part 2 segment -- especially the super-rare footage of Van McCoy & FH&C's live on-stage performances in the 1977 video of Don Kirshner's New Rock Concert. I'm pleased but not at all surprised to learn that FH&C sound every bit as professional performing live on stage as they sound in the recording studio.

[Boogiedown]

^ shall do!

ARTIST: Faith, Hope & Charity
LP TITLE: "Faith, Hope & Charity"
RECORD LABEL: Maxwell - ML 88002
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1970

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Zulema Cusseaux [[Faith, Hope & Charity)

4) "Something"
[[G. Harrison)
[Audio N/A]

Hi Gary ! I found it!




and I like it!!


[re: that LP cover: looks like Zulema's heart is bigger than Albert's fig leaf ]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks for locating that video, Boogie. I searched for it and came up with nothing.

Leave it to you to notice!! That heart and fig leaf are definitely out of proportion! HaHa!

[Boogiedown]

It isn't often we get to see Van McCoy and Faith, Hope & Charity in action. Their performances on the following Don Kirshner's New Rock Concert from February 8, 1977, make up for lost time!



The featured guests include Van McCoy with Faith, Hope & Charity. Also starring the groups Queen and Brass Construction. For your convenience, I've broken down the exact time spots where each group performs as listed below. [[Use the YouTube timings-- NOT the New Rock Concert timings which are constantly flashing throughout.) This is an extremely rare treat. Enjoy!

1:12 - 2:09 = INTRO
4:33 - 5:02 = Don Kirshner
5:03 - 9:36 = Van McCoy w/Faith, Hope & Charity [[Medley: Party / Get Dancin' / Disco Baby / Turn This Mother Out / Party)
9:56 - 14:32 = Van McCoy [[Night Walk)
16:36 - 17:08 = Don Kirshner
17:08 - 26:16 = Queen [[Sweet Lady / Someone To Love)
39:03 - 39:18 = Don Kirshner
39:18 - 51:06 = Brass Construction [[Changin' / Get Up To Get Down)
53:50 - 54:16 = Van McCoy introducing FH&C
54:16 - 57:36 = Faith, Hope & Charity [[Life Goes On)
1:01:24 - 1:06:23 = Faith, Hope & Charity [[To Each His Own)
1:08:37 - 1:13:02 = Van McCoy [[African Symphony)
1:15:07 - 1:22:03 = Van McCoy w/Faith, Hope & Charity [[Medley: Rhythms Of The World / Soul Cha Cha / The Hustle / Change With The Times)
1:24:08 - 1:29:03 = Brass Construction [[Ha Cha Cha Funktion)

I didn't know there was a "New" Rock Concert .....what happened to the original old one ??

one of the reasons I list for why disco had to die, is that so little of it translated well to live performance as was needed to fill the seats in entertainment venues, as well as not suiting that format for a variety of reasons , one being a great many tunes had next to nothing to do with lyrics and as you can see here there's plenty of down time for the singers. Also with full throttle orchestral disco, the logistics of performing/touring with the required instruments and the people playing them would be impossible. That would change with synths in 1980 , when disco went the other way, becoming slimmed down with most instruments being replaced by simulated replacements. Even here in 1977, I'm sure it pained Van McCoy to have to resort to these cheesy fake strings heard here .

Plus the whole point of disco was as an interactive music with which to dance to , not to sit and stare at a star's performance of it.....
Having said all that, what a RARE treat therefore to see the effort was made here in order to hear and see all this live like this. Surprised Rock Concert made the bother. Great to see Van at the piano and his love of the music on full display. So glad this was recorded for posterity.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Really, Boogie? That's all you got out of it?

[Boogiedown]

Well also that Albert is a very rigorous dancer.

Actually my follow up is, did Van McCoy perform live ? Tour? [ever?] He seemed too studio oriented to have the time. If not, all the more reason its remarkable this recorded appearance occurred, would be interesting to know how so much airtime came to be, and especially on a rock oriented concert show.

Judging from their practiced and tight performance here I would guess FH&C performed as an act , but do we have any information on their itinerary ??

[lakeside]

Well also that Albert is a very rigorous dancer.

Actually my follow up is, did Van McCoy perform live ? Tour? [ever?] He seemed too studio oriented to have the time. If not, all the more reason its remarkable this recorded appearance occurred, would be interesting to know how so much airtime came to be, and especially on a rock oriented concert show.

Judging from their practiced and tight performance here I would guess FH&C performed as an act , but do we have any information on their itinerary ??

I saw FH&C open for Jean, Mary and Cindy in Columbus, Ohio. They about brought the house down. They really could tear the roof off live. One of my favorite groups. I believe they've all passed now. Just learned Albert passed a couple of years ago.

[sansradio]

I saw FH&C open for Jean, Mary and Cindy in Columbus, Ohio. They about brought the house down. They really could tear the roof off live. One of my favorite groups. I believe they've all passed now. Just learned Albert passed a couple of years ago.

As far as I know, Brenda Hilliard is still with us, or at least was at the time of Albert's passing.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Well also that Albert is a very rigorous dancer.

Actually my follow up is, did Van McCoy perform live ? Tour? [ever?] He seemed too studio oriented to have the time. If not, all the more reason its remarkable this recorded appearance occurred, would be interesting to know how so much airtime came to be, and especially on a rock oriented concert show.

Judging from their practiced and tight performance here I would guess FH&C performed as an act , but do we have any information on their itinerary ??

Actually my follow up is, did Van McCoy perform live ? Tour? [ever?] He seemed too studio oriented to have the time. If not, all the more reason its remarkable this recorded appearance occurred, would be interesting to know how so much airtime came to be, and especially on a rock oriented concert show.

Judging from their practiced and tight performance here I would guess FH&C performed as an act , but do we have any information on their itinerary ??[/QUOTE]

Actually my follow up is, did Van McCoy perform live ? Tour? [ever?] He seemed too studio oriented to have the time. If not, all the more reason its remarkable this recorded appearance occurred, would be interesting to know how so much airtime came to be, and especially on a rock oriented concert show.

Judging from their practiced and tight performance here I would guess FH&C performed as an act , but do we have any information on their itinerary ??[/QUOTE]

Boogie, only once did I see Van and [[I think) Zulema on the Mike Douglas show -- teaching Mike and his guests how to do The Hustle [[or it could have been the Soul Cha Cha). I don't recall whether Van had STUFF there or if he used Mike's orchestra -- or maybe a combination of both. I was at work at the time, and couldn't devote as much attention as I would have liked to. I think you're right, though. Van was simply too busy in the studio to be making personal appearances [[although he and STUFF rang in the New Year at the Bottom Line Club in NYC which can be heard in Van McCoy - Part 1. And, utilizing Faith, Hope & Charity's back-up vocals on nearly ALL of his countless mid-to-late '70s productions, as he did, their schedules were kept equally as busy as his. [[You'll see for yourself when we present VAN McCOY - Part 3 -- VAN'S ARTISTS -- coming very, very soon!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

LAKESIDE & SANSRADIO - In searching for Brenda Hilliard's obit, it turned up nothing, thankfully. Faith, Hope & Charity hailed from Tampa, FL. There's a chance she may have returned there for her retirement.

When I Googled Diane Destry's obit, this is what I found:

https://www.feenotes.com/database/ar...80%9D%E2%80%A6

And while Googling Albert Bailey's obit, here is what I found:

https://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.c.../Albert-Bailey

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Boogie, I had meant to agree with you that Van's "orchestra" featured on the Don Kirchner's New Rock Concert was but a mere shell of itself. The synthesizee used to simulate Van's magnificent string passages sounded cheap and sorely lacking. Same goes for the lack of trumpet. That synthesizer was absolutely soul-less. On the brighter side, Van was having a ball which shined through clearly!

[Boogiedown]

Yes Gary.

Disco came along just in time to give these talents who understood arranging and orchestration one last hurrah before popular music moves on from it forever.
Van probably found the synths to be a welcomed solution to performing live without bringing in a full orchestra that Kirchner's little show could probably not even adequately accommodate.

It wasn't as if Van or FH&C were at a peak right then with an especially hot charter. THE HUSTLE was from 1975. So why Don wanted to give Van so much time as a feature on his show remains a mystery to me. Disco was not a sound Don shied away from but he wasn't exactly an advocate either.

But giving plenty of time to him he did!!!

... and Van McCoy showed up looking sharp & wearing his most spiffy stage outfits [which suggests he did perform at times] and as I said his love and also his pride of his music really comes through.

[lakeside]

As far as I know, Brenda Hilliard is still with us, or at least was at the time of Albert's passing.

Thanks sans. I had read a while back Brenda had passed. The writer did not offer any more info., so that made me wonder how accurate that info was. I'm glad to hear she may still be with us.

Hilliard, Brenda

Vocalist from Tampa, Florida, who was a member of The 5 Crystals with Zulema Cusseaux until the two of them co-founded The Lovelles with Albert Bailey. They morphed into Faith, Hope & Charity and released an eponymous album in 1970, followed up by Heavy Love in 1972.
Zulema went solo and Albert and Brenda released “Talking About Loving You”, backed with “This Has Happened Before”, in 1974.
In 1975, Faith, Hope & Charity [[with Diane Destry in tow) re-emerged with “Mellow Me” and “To Each His Own”. These were succeeded by “Life Goes On”/”You’re My Piece of Mind” in 1976, and another self-titled album in 1978.
Brenda also contributed backing vocals to the Van McCoy albums, Disco Baby, The Disco Kid, Lonely Dancer, My Favourite Fantasy, The Real McCoy, and Rhythms of the World, as well as Zulema’s RSVP and Z-Licious. Other albums on which she appears include Gary U.S. Bonds’ Dedication, Dismasters’ And Then Some, and The Very Best of Stacy Lattisaw.
Van McCoy recordings
The Shuffle [[Van McCoy)
That’s the Joint [[Richard Harris/Van McCoy)
Around 1983, Brenda was in a girl group called "Jamaica Girls".
Jamaica Girls ‎– Need Somebody New [[1983) | eightiesvinyl [[wordpress.com)

[sansradio]

Thanks sans. I had read a while back Branda had passed. The writer did not offer any more info., so that made me wonder how accurate that info was. I'm glad to hear she may still be with us.

No worries, lakeside. In Albert's obit which PMG has posted above, she's listed among his "close at heart" survivors.

[Boogiedown]

I saw FH&C open for Jean, Mary and Cindy in Columbus, Ohio. They about brought the house down. They really could tear the roof off live. One of my favorite groups. I believe they've all passed now. Just learned Albert passed a couple of years ago.

It's interesting that they stood out for you , at that point they had two non-charting LP releases. A medium hit with SO MUCH LOVE in 1970. Did you know of them when you saw them??
Opening for the Supremes , how about that ... FH&C must have been good ...your attitude could easily have been, hurry up and get off the stage ....

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yes Gary.

Disco came along just in time to give these talents who understood arranging and orchestration one last hurrah before popular music moves on from it forever.
Van probably found the synths to be a welcomed solution to performing live without bringing in a full orchestra that Kirchner's little show could probably not even adequately accommodate.

It wasn't as if Van or FH&C were at a peak right then with an especially hot charter. THE HUSTLE was from 1975. So why Don wanted to give Van so much time as a feature on his show remains a mystery to me. Disco was not a sound Don shied away from but he wasn't exactly an advocate either.

But giving plenty of time to him he did!!!

... and Van McCoy showed up looking sharp & wearing his most spiffy stage outfits [which suggests he did perform at times] and as I said his love and also his pride of his music really comes through.

Yeah, Boogie, it was rare for Midnight Special and, especially, Rock Concert to devote so much time to a soul music act. [[I recall seeing Love Unlimited on there twice singing "Love, Well We Finally Made It" both times.) Thank Heaven they made an exception for Van & FH&C. By 1975, FH&C also had a sizeable hit single with "To Each His Own [[That's My Philosophy)" from their first RCA album which they performed live. I'm sure that, along with Van's huge "Hustle" hit and the sudden popularity of dance clubs and discos, Van and company was Don Kirchner's first logical choice. The audience response was loud and enthusiastic as well!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yes Gary.

Disco came along just in time to give these talents who understood arranging and orchestration one last hurrah before popular music moves on from it forever.
Van probably found the synths to be a welcomed solution to performing live without bringing in a full orchestra that Kirchner's little show could probably not even adequately accommodate.

It wasn't as if Van or FH&C were at a peak right then with an especially hot charter. THE HUSTLE was from 1975. So why Don wanted to give Van so much time as a feature on his show remains a mystery to me. Disco was not a sound Don shied away from but he wasn't exactly an advocate either.

But giving plenty of time to him he did!!!

... and Van McCoy showed up looking sharp & wearing his most spiffy stage outfits [which suggests he did perform at times] and as I said his love and also his pride of his music really comes through.

Van did, indeed, dress sharp for the occasion, as did Brenda, Albert & Diane. However, I was shocked at how dressed-down Richard Tee looked. His weekend "come as you are" sweatshirt stuck out like a sore thumb. I have to wonder how Van felt about such lack of effort.

[lakeside]

It's interesting that they stood out for you , at that point they had two non-charting LP releases. A medium hit with SO MUCH LOVE in 1970. Did you know of them when you saw them??
Opening for the Supremes , how about that ... FH&C must have been good ...your attitude could easily have been, hurry up and get off the stage ....

I had heard "So Much Love". They were really good on stage and the audience seemed to feel likewise. It was a good opening act for The Supremes. Jean had just come into the group and their show was also memorable. I did find Jean a little cool and distant from the audience. Vocally she was totally Supreme!

[lakeside]

As far as I know, Brenda Hilliard is still with us, or at least was at the time of Albert's passing.

Print Email Shortlink

Hilliard, Brenda

Vocalist from Tampa, Florida, who was a member of The 5 Crystals with Zulema Cusseaux until the two of them co-founded The Lovelles with Albert Bailey. They morphed into Faith, Hope & Charity and released an eponymous album in 1970, followed up by Heavy Love in 1972.
Zulema went solo and Albert and Brenda released “Talking About Loving You”, backed with “This Has Happened Before”, in 1974.
In 1975, Faith, Hope & Charity [[with Diane Destry in tow) re-emerged with “Mellow Me” and “To Each His Own”. These were succeeded by “Life Goes On”/”You’re My Piece of Mind” in 1976, and another self-titled album in 1978.
Brenda also contributed backing vocals to the Van McCoy albums, Disco Baby, The Disco Kid, Lonely Dancer, My Favourite Fantasy, The Real McCoy, and Rhythms of the World, as well as Zulema’s RSVP and Z-Licious. Other albums on which she appears include Gary U.S. Bonds’ Dedication, Dismasters’ And Then Some, and The Very Best of Stacy Lattisaw.
Van McCoy recordings
The Shuffle [[Van McCoy)
That’s the Joint [[Richard Harris/Van McCoy)
Here’s Brenda singing “Give Me All Of Your Love”…

[lakeside]

No worries, lakeside. In Albert's obit which PMG has posted above, she's listed among his "close at heart" survivors.

Good! I had read that obit, but it completely evaded me. Dementia?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks sans. I had read a while back Brenda had passed. The writer did not offer any more info., so that made me wonder how accurate that info was. I'm glad to hear she may still be with us.

Hilliard, Brenda

Vocalist from Tampa, Florida, who was a member of The 5 Crystals with Zulema Cusseaux until the two of them co-founded The Lovelles with Albert Bailey. They morphed into Faith, Hope & Charity and released an eponymous album in 1970, followed up by Heavy Love in 1972.
Zulema went solo and Albert and Brenda released “Talking About Loving You”, backed with “This Has Happened Before”, in 1974.
In 1975, Faith, Hope & Charity [[with Diane Destry in tow) re-emerged with “Mellow Me” and “To Each His Own”. These were succeeded by “Life Goes On”/”You’re My Piece of Mind” in 1976, and another self-titled album in 1978.
Brenda also contributed backing vocals to the Van McCoy albums, Disco Baby, The Disco Kid, Lonely Dancer, My Favourite Fantasy, The Real McCoy, and Rhythms of the World, as well as Zulema’s RSVP and Z-Licious. Other albums on which she appears include Gary U.S. Bonds’ Dedication, Dismasters’ And Then Some, and The Very Best of Stacy Lattisaw.
Van McCoy recordings
The Shuffle [[Van McCoy)
That’s the Joint [[Richard Harris/Van McCoy)
Around 1983, Brenda was in a girl group called "Jamaica Girls".
Jamaica Girls ‎– Need Somebody New [[1983) | eightiesvinyl [[wordpress.com)

Lakeside, I somehow managed to miss this post. I had no idea that Brenda Hilliard had joined a group called Jamaica Girls. I'm not sure I even recognize her, although I'm gonna take a stab at it. Is that her in the yellow- & black-checkered outfit? [[It definitely isn't the tallest one in red.)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I found a Larry Levan mix of "Need Somebody New" by the Jamaica Girls. It sounds neither Jamaican nor a style of music I would have ever associated Brenda with. Guess I'm spoiled by the winning formula she had with Van. After singing mostly lead vocals on her 3rd, 4th, & 5th F,H&C albums, it's kinda strange that she'd settle for joining a trio that already has a lead singer.

JAMAICA GIRLS
[[Larry Levan Mix)
https://youtu.be/YNXs3VLSMqk

[lakeside]

I found a Larry Levan mix of "Need Somebody New" by the Jamaica Girls. It sounds neither Jamaican nor a style of music I would have ever associated Brenda with. Guess I'm spoiled by the winning formula she had with Van. After singing mostly lead vocals on her 3rd, 4th, & 5th F,H&C albums, it's kinda strange that she'd settle for joining a trio that already has a lead singer.

JAMAICA GIRLS
[[Larry Levan Mix)
https://youtu.be/YNXs3VLSMqk

The Jamaica Girls:

Members:

Brenda Hilliard, Deborah McGriff, Rita Saunders

Variations:

Viewing All | Jamaica Girls
The Jamaica Girls

The Jamaica Girls* – On The Move

Label:	Sire – 0-20444
Format:	Vinyl, 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM
Country:	US
Released:	1986
Genre:	Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style:	Boogie, Funk

[Philles/Motown Gary]

You're right, Lakeside. The more I study it, that's definitely Brenda Hilliard on the left. Unfortunately, I'll never get used to seeing her in a grouping other than with Albert Bailey and Diane Destry. It's sad that when Van died, 2/3 of his signature singers fell apart and, in time, died along with him.