Barbara and the Uniques

Barbara and the Uniques was a 1960s and 1970s R&B girl group.

Barbara and the Uniques
Also known asBarbara Blake and the Uniques
GenresR&B
Years active1963 (1963)–1975 (1975)
LabelsArden, Abbot Records, 20th Century Records
Past membersBarbara Livsey
Gwen Livsey
Doris Lindsey

History

The group began when the Du-ettes, a group from Chicago featuring Barbara Livsey and her cousin, Mary Hayes, was liquidated in 1965. Barbara got together with her sister Gwen Livsey and a friend, Doris Lindsey, and released the soul ballad "There It Goes Again" (written by Eugene Record of The Chi-Lites) as Barbara and the Uniques in 1970.[1] The song was very successful at the local level, causing Arden Records to distribute it nationally. The song became an R&B hit, reaching #16 on the R&B charts. It was a minor US Billboard Hot 100 hit, where it reached #91.[2]

The group followed up with two singles on the Arden label in 1971: "You're Gonna Make Me Cheat on You" / "I'll Never Let You Go" and "You Make Me Feel So Young Again" / "Take Me As I Am". In 1972, the group moved to Abbot Records and released "He's Gone", which also featured "Take Me As I Am" as the B-side.

Gwen and Doris quit the group and were replaced with male session singers. Now dubbed Barbara Blake and the Uniques on 20th Century Records, in 1974, they released "Prized Possession" / "It's Not That Easy" and "Teach Me" / "Everlasting Thrill". Both releases failed to make an impact, but still the group's eponymous LP was released in 1975. A 1975 single, "Need Your Love So Bad" / "Let Me Down Easy", also was not a chart hit.

The band broke up when their contract with 20th Century Records expired.

The Du-Ettes' regional hit song “Every Beat Of My Heart” has been featured in a Whole Foods market television commercial.

References
  1. Hamilton, Andrew. "Barbara and the Uniques Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
  2. Top Pop Singles 1955–1999. Joel Whitburn. 2000. Record Research Inc. p. 34. ISBN 0-89820-139-X
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