Soul Train Awards 2023: 5 Things to Know About This Year’s Performer SWV
“Soul Train Awards” 2023, hosted by actress and singer Keke Palmer, saw several of R&B and soul music’s biggest stars take home prestigious honors, delivering a string of stellar performances.
The 90s R&B girl group surprised viewers with a special performance of their smash record “Rain” alongside the evening's “Best New Artist” winner Coco Jones. The moment united icons and emerging stars of the genre for a dynamic performance you’d see only at the “Soul Train Awards.” As we look back at yet another amazing celebration of one of the greatest genres, get familiar with this year’s performers with these five interesting facts.
Origin
SWV was formed in New York City in the late eighties. After being discovered by legendary producer Teddy Riley, they inked a record deal with RCA Records.
They were once almost named TLC
SWV initially wanted to use their initials TLC—Tamera, Leanne, and Cheryl—for their name, but according to Tamera, “Our group name was actually TLC at one point, and when we were about to come out… But we got a cease and desist letter from a company down in Atlanta who says that we couldn’t use that name. They had already copy written and marked that name and we couldn’t use it. So, we had to change our name.”
Name Origin
The group ultimately went with the name "Sisters With Voices," following a suggestion from their manager at the time. Though they weren’t crazy about the idea, believing it was more suitable for a gospel group, the name eventually grew on them.
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They sang background several notable artists
Before their fame, SWV honed their skills by serving as background vocalists for famed artists like Christopher Williams and Melba Moore.
They appeared on reality television
In 2014, SWV starred in their reality TV series, “SWV Reunited.” The show chronicled their journey back into the spotlight, offering fans an intimate look into their personal and professional lives.