History Precious Wilson - continued

Work started on their first album which would contain cover versions of previous hits and original numbers written by the band members.When the album “Eruption featuring Precious Wilson” was released in 1978, the reaction was favourable throughout Europe. Ariola America was the U.S. arm of Hansa Records and quickly seized the opportunity to issue the album in the U.S.

After a minor hit single with “Party Party”, The sizzling cover of the Ann Peebles classic “I Can’t Stand The Rain” was rush released on a 12” single and immediately shot to the top of the club charts, and then crossed over to number 18 on the radio charts. Precious’ powerful vocals proved to be very popular on the dance floors. The song has since become one of disco’s all-time classics and is easily recognizable even today, from their first album (December 1977), reaching number five in the UK Singles Chart, and number 18 in U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The following year they released the second album “Leave a Light” towards the end of 1978. “One Way Ticket” which, when issued in the US, received a remix by Rusty Garner for the 12” single. This song also brought them to the top of the charts internationally again. It became a UK number 9 hit. The song with its simple melody and catchy lyrics featured Precious Wilson’s great vocals.

Precious Wilson finally went solo in 1979 to pursue a solo career, and made several hugely successful albums in Europe, including the albums ” WE ARE ON THE RACE TRACK” and “ALL COLOURED IN LOVE”.

Her soulful voice show cased other popular recordings which included “RAISING MY FAMILY” and “CRY TO ME”.
Precious has had her own BBC TV special in the UK called “THE VOCAL TOUCH”.

Other performances include shows in Monte Carlo, numerous concert tours and TV work in both Eastern Europe including the Kremlin, and continental Europe. She has participated in a Royal Variety Show in the presence of HRH QUEEN ELIZABETH II of the United Kingdom, and a member of the SAUDI ROYAL FAMILY.

Her single entitled “I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND” on Jive Records, underlines her appeal on the dance soul circuit. It reached the Top 40 in the Billboard R&B Charts.

She followed this success with the title track to the blockbuster movie starring MICHEAL DOUGLAS, KATHLEEN TURNER and DANNY De VITO, entitled: ” THE JEWEL OF THE NILE” written by the team of Britten and Lyle who wrote Tina Turner’s smash hit “What’s Love Got TO Do”.

Precious has toured the USSR on the invitation of the Soviet Cultural Ministry; a 55 date concert tour was arranged in six Soviet Republics performing with her own band to full capacity audiences at each venue. She was the first black UK based female artiste to have undertaken such an extensive tour in the then USSR. Precious proved to be an energetic and enigmatic performer.

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