“When Will I See You Again” is a soulful ballad performed by American female vocal group The Three Degrees. Released in 1974, the song was written and produced by the legendary duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, prominent figures in the Philadelphia soul music scene. The track features lead vocals by Sheila Ferguson, with Fayette Pinkney and Valerie Holiday providing harmonious backing vocals. Its poignant lyrics, composed entirely of questions, convey a deep sense of longing and uncertainty in love.
The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the US Billboard Easy Listening chart and secured the fourth position on the Billboard R&B chart. “When Will I See You Again” became one of the defining tracks of the Philadelphia soul genre and solidified The Three Degrees’ place in music history.
When Will I See You Again
Global Chart Success: Beyond the US and UK, “When Will I See You Again” charted impressively worldwide, reaching number two in Australia, Belgium, Ireland, and South Africa; number three in the Netherlands; and number five in Canada.
Sheila Ferguson’s Initial Reaction: Lead singer Sheila Ferguson initially resisted recording the song, believing it was too simplistic. However, after its massive success, she acknowledged the song’s impact and embraced its significance in their repertoire.
Royal Performance: The Three Degrees performed “When Will I See You Again” at Prince Charles’ 30th birthday party at Buckingham Palace in 1978, highlighting the song’s broad appeal and the group’s prominence.
Billboard Recognition: In 2017, Billboard ranked “When Will I See You Again” at number 67 on their list of the 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time, cementing its status as a classic.
