Introduction to the Fuzz
The Fuzz were an American all-girl R&B vocal trio. D.C., initially calling themselves The Passionettes. The songs of their self-titled debut album were mostly written by Young, and one of those songs “I Love You For All Seasons” went to Top 40 in 1971. The next two singles “Like An Open Door” and “I’m So Glad” charted lower on the Hot 100, and following other singles became unsuccessful. The group broke shortly afterward in 1972. They reunited during the 1990s and still perform occasionally. Barbara Gulliam died in 2008.
Formation of the Fuzz and their first album
American all-girl R&B group the Fuzz formed in Washington D.C., in 1970. The group consisted of Sheila Young, Barbara Gilliam and Val Williams. Initially they called themselves The Passionettes but when they secured their first recording contract with Calla Records in 1971 they switched their name to the Fuzz.
Also in 1971 the Fuzz released their eponymous debut LP – a concept album by an all-female act which also features songs interjected with spoken lines, which were called “rapping.” And their album also had a distinctive style that would be the influence of Barry White-managed group, the Love Unlimited.
“I Love You for All Seasons” — the group’s only major hit
It was group leader Shiela Young who provided the songs for their album. The Fuzz’s leadoff single, the sentimental ballad “I Love You for All Seasons,” (also written by Shiela Young) became a big hit for the Fuzz, giving them a Top 10 hit on the R&B chart and #21 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the album did equally well enough for a first-time act, nearing the bottom of the Billboard 200 album chart (#196) and #43 on the R&B albums chart in 1971.
“I Love You for All Seasons” (b/w “I Love You for All Seasons (Part 2)”)became the Fuzz’s only top 10 hit. The follow-up single “Like An Open Door” (b/w “Leave It All Behind Me”) was a decent hit at #14 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. They followed this up with two more singles that failed (such as “I’m So Glad” and “Mr. Hearache”) to make a dent on the national charts. In 1972, the Fuzz disbanded, joining the ranks of one-hit wonders.
In the 1990s the Fuzz reunited once. Barbara Gilliam passed away in August 2010, and in the following month after she died the Fuzz (along with a new member) mounted a reunion concert as a tribute to their late former colleague.