Sheila and B. Devotion
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Sheila and B. Devotion |
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Sheila & B. Devotion (also credited as Sheila B. Devotion or S.B Devotion) was a disco group fronted by French singer Sheila between 1977 and 1980. This formation briefly reached popularity in Europe and to a lesser extent in the US club circuit during the disco era. It recorded two albums (Love Me Baby and King of the World) before dissolving in 1980 when Sheila returned to her solo career.
History
Formation
Before the group's formation, Sheila (born Annie Chancel in Créteil, France on August 16 1946) scored numerous hits in her homeland during the 1960s and the 1970s. Among her chart toppers were L'Ecole est Finie (1963) , Vous les Copains (the French cover version of Manfred Mann's Do Wah Diddy Diddy in 1964), Petite Fille de Français Moyens (1968) and Les Rois Mages (the cover of Tweedle Dee Tweele Dum originally performed by Middle of the Road in 1971). Her success helped her producer Claude Carrere to launched his label Carrere Records. The Yé-yé artist was initially presented as a girl next door. In 1977, she completely changed her public image when Sheila & B Devotion was formed. She attempted to convey a more mature style in her music and public image. Three American back-up singers/dancers (Dany Mac Farlane, Freddy Stracham and Arthur Wilkins) known as B. Devotion were hired to accompany her. She updated her bubblegum repertoire by performing disco tracks sung in English.
Breakthough and success
Because Carrere did not want to shock Sheila's public and the French media, the debut single of the group (Love Me Baby) was released anonymously in May 1977 in France. The first pressings of the record mentioned the obscure name of S.B Devotion. The song was an instant radio and club hit. The identity of the group was rapidly revealed and the quatuor was officially named Sheila & B Devotion'. Love Me Baby became an mainstream Top 10 hit in Europe. The follow-up single was a disco version of Singin' in the Rain and was more successful. In early 1978, it was licensed to Casablanca Records to be released in the USA where it became a club hit. In the meantime, the Love Me baby album (featuring the two above-mentioned hits) came out. The group promoted their records on the major European TV shows (Musikladen, Disco, Top of the Pops...). Sheila & B. Devotion scored other songs on the charts (I Don't Need A Doctor, Hotel De La Plage, You Light My Fire and Seven Lonely Days).
Collaboration with Chic
In 1979, Sheila collaborated with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic on the King of the World album which featured Spacer (which peaked at #18 on the UK singles charts and was a Top 10 hit in France, Benelux, Germany and Scandinavia).
Break-up
Shortly after the release of the King Of The World single, Sheila & B. Devotion disbanded. Due to the disco backlash, Sheila chose a pop-rock style and recorded in 1981 an album (Little Darlin') with Keith Olsen. It was her last international project.
Discography
Singles
- "Love Me Baby" (1977)
- "Singin' in the Rain" (1977)
- "I Don't Need A Doctor" (1978)
- "Hotel De La Plage" (OST) (1978)
- "You Light My Fire" (1978)
- "Seven Lonely Days" (1979)
- "No No No No" (1979)
- "Spacer" (1979)
- "King of the World" (1980)
- "Your Love Is Good" (US promo - 1980)
Albums
- "Singin' in the Rain" or "Love Me Baby" (in certain countries) (1977)
- "King of the World" (1980)
Compilations
- "Disque d'or" (1979)
- "The Disco Singles" (2007)