When Will I See You Again by The Three Degrees

Album: The Three Degrees (1974)

Charted: 1 2

License This Song

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This was written by the Philadelphia songwriting and production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It was released on their Philadelphia International Records and became the only #1 in the UK for the label.
Three Degree Sheila Ferguson recalls in 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, "The song was played to me by Kenny Gamble at the piano in 1973 and I threw a tantrum. I screamed and yelled and said I would never sing it. I thought it was ridiculously insulting to be given such a simple song and that it took no talent to sing it. We did do it and several million copies later, I realized that he knew more than me."
A few months earlier in their first recording for Philadelphia International Records, The Three Degrees supplied the vocals for the US #1 hit "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," which was the theme song for the TV show Soul Train. >>
Suggestion credit:
Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above

Comments: 11

Bay Area Bruce from Sunnyvale CalifFor years I thought this was a Diana Ross and the Supremes song……am I the only one who thought this way?
Bob from New JerseyWhen I went to Yalta in the Ukraine on the BlackSea in the mid 1970’s, I met a beautiful Ukranian-Russian girl, Sveta, and every time I hear this song, it reminded me of her
Forbes from NyWas When Will I See You Again used in a film or a tv show?
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenInteresting that the TD never made much of a splash after this, though they've lasted and lasted and I think, are still going in 2020 with two of the original members still in place.
Tony from San DiegoSuch a sexy and smooth song. Got to love MFSB
Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 8th, 1974, "When Will I See You Again" by the Three Degrees peaked at #2 (for 1 week) and spent 18 weeks on the Top 100...
It reached #1 (for 2 weeks) on August 17th, 1974 on the United Kingdom Singles chart...
And on December 14th, 1974 it also peaked at #1 (for 1 week) on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
On Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart is reached #4...
(The song that kept it out of the top spot on the Top 100 was "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas).
Jeff from Indianapolis, InReminds me of a special girl. This was our song. Should have hung on to her and not let her go.
George from Louisville, Ky Met a young lady right when this first came out. She played it for me at her place that night. And yes, I did see her again. Terri, if you're out there, I have never forgotten you.
John from Nashville, TnThis was the Three Degrees second (and last) top 40 pop hit. The first was their version of the old Chantels classic "Maybe". It was released on Roulette Records and went to #30.
Michael from Chicago, IlI've heard that the Three Degrees were invited to perform at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana - and, don't forget, the vocals on the 'SOUL TRAIN' theme, performed by MFSB, are also the Degrees ..
Jonnie from St. Louis, MoWhat many people forget is that "The Three Degrees" was the group that was featured in the Nightclub Scene of the Academy Award Winning Classic Film "The French Connection" ! This was a few years BEFORE "When Will I See You Again" was recorded. (Watch for that scene the next time you see the film.)

Jonnie King/St. Louis

see more comments

More Songfacts:

American PieDon McLean

Don McLean's "American Pie" starts in mono and gradually goes to stereo. It isn't full stereo until the end of the song, which is over 8 minutes long.

Hangin' ToughNew Kids On The Block

"Hangin' Tough" came at the peak of New Kids On The Block mania (1988). Their writer/producer Maurice Starr wrote it about the struggles the band faced early on. It was a #1 hit in both America and the UK.

Scooby SnacksFun Lovin' Criminals

The Scooby Snacks in the Fun Lovin' Criminals song aren't dog treats, they're Valium pills.

The Girl Is MineMichael Jackson

The first single from the Thriller album was "The Girl Is Mine," chosen over "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" because it was a duet with Paul McCartney and thus guaranteed airplay.

CenterfieldJohn Fogerty

"Centerfield" was the first song enshrined in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

Love Never Felt So GoodMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson became the first artist in history to score Top 10 hits in five consecutive decades on the Hot 100 when "Love Never Felt So Good" landed at #9 on the chart dated May 31, 2014.