HONEY CONE

Biography

Honey Cone was an American R&B and soul girl group formed in 1968 in Los Angeles, California, by lead singer Edna Wright (born February 2, 1945, sister of Darlene Love), along with Carolyn Willis and Shelly Clark. Wright, who had a gospel background singing with the Church of God in Christ Singers, brought secular R&B experience from prior solo work under the name Sandy Wynns. The trio caught the attention of Eddie Holland of the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, who had recently left Motown to start Hot Wax Records; he signed them as the label's first act, naming them Honey Cone after his favorite ice cream flavor despite initial resistance from the members. Based in Los Angeles, they recorded in Detroit, producing Northern-style soul with a Motown influence blending sweetness and grit, inspired by groups like Martha & the Vandellas and The Marvelettes.

Their debut single 'While You're Out Looking for Sugar' (1969) reached No. 26 on the Billboard R&B chart, followed by 'Girls, It Ain't Easy' peaking at No. 8. Breakthrough success came with 'Want Ads' (1971), which topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, selling over a million copies and earning a gold disc. They followed with another No. 1 R&B hit 'Stick-Up' (No. 11 pop), and further successes like 'One Monkey Don't Stop No Show' (No. 5 R&B). The group released four albums—Take Me with You (1970), Sweet Replies (1971), Soulful Tapestry (1971), and Love, Peace & Soul (1972)—and were named Best Female Vocal Group by NATRA in 1971. Most songs were written by General Johnson and Greg Perry, Wright's boyfriend who also contributed musically. The original trio disbanded around 1973 after nine R&B Top 40 hits.

Honey Cone's legacy endures in northern soul, classic soul, and Motown genres, with a 2024 reunion led by Shelly Clark alongside new members Kathy Merrick and Wendy Smith-Brune. Edna Wright passed away on September 12, 2020, but the group's upbeat 'bubblegum soul' sound—marked by catchy hooks and pop-influenced arrangements—continues to influence soul enthusiasts.

Fun Facts

• Eddie Holland named the group 'Honey Cone' after his favorite ice cream flavor, and though the members initially rejected it, they grew to embrace its distinctiveness.
• Honey Cone's debut single 'While You're Out Looking for Sugar' was also the first release on Hot Wax Records, marking a strong start for the new Motown alumni label.
• The group headlined major venues like the Apollo Theatre and performed one-nighters across the South after their 'Want Ads' success.
• As of 2024, Honey Cone reunited with founding member Shelly Clark leading, joined by Kathy Merrick and Wendy Smith-Brune, celebrating over 55 years since formation.

Members

• Shelly Clark - original
• Carolyn Willis - original
• Edna Wright - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Eddie Holland - Discovered and signed the group to Hot Wax Records, named them Honey Cone (Hot Wax debut singles including 'While You're Out Looking for Sugar') [1969]
• Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland) - Producers and songwriters who mentored their Motown-style sound after leaving Motown (Early singles and albums on Hot Wax) [1969-1972]

Key Collaborators

• Edna Wright - Lead singer and founder (All Honey Cone albums and singles) [1968-1973]
• Carolyn Willis - Original group member (All Honey Cone albums and singles) [1968-1973]
• Shelly Clark - Original group member and current leader of reunited lineup (All original albums; 2024 reunion) [1968-1973, 2024-present]
• Greg Perry - Wright's boyfriend; co-wrote most songs (Hits like 'Want Ads', 'Stick-Up') [1969-1972]
• General Johnson - Frequent songwriter (Major hits including 'Want Ads') [1969-1972]

Artists Influenced

• Martha & the Vandellas - Main stylistic influence for blend of sweetness and grit (Honey Cone's overall Motown-inspired sound) [1960s influences into 1970s]
• The Marvelettes - Key influence representing Motown female vocal group sound (Honey Cone's early recordings) [1960s influences into 1970s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz