Martha & the Vandellas, 1964, from left: Martha Reeves, Annette Beard and Rosalind Ashford.
Annette Beard Sterling Helton Simmons (born July 4, 1943) is an American R&B and soul singer, most notable for being one of the original members of the popular Motown singing group Martha and the Vandellas. Signing to Motown Records’ new Gordy subsidiary, Martha and the Vandellas gained a stature as hitmakers in the label almost as quickly after they were signed.
BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
Full Name: Annette Beard Sterling Helton
Description: Vocalist, USA
Known For: Member of Motown singing group Martha and the Vandellas.
Instruments: Voice
Music Styles: R&B/soul singer
Location: United States of America
Date Born: 4th June 1943
Location Born: Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
CONTACT DETAILS
Web Site: http://www.thevandellas.com/bio.html
YOUTUBE VIDEO
BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE
Annette Beard
An American R&B and soul singer, most notable for being one of the original members of popular Motown singing group Martha and the Vandellas.
Fourteen-year-old Annette joined friends Rosalind Ashford, Gloria Williams and Martha Reeves to form the original version of the Del-Phis in 1957. The group performed at local get-togethers, high school parties, YMCA benefits and lawn parties. Annette, who was a shy girl growing up, didn’t mind singing background behind Gloria Williams, then the original lead singer of the group.
In 1962, frustrated by the group’s slow development and sensing a break-up, Williams left the group. Afterwards, Annette, Martha and Rosalind sang together on Marvin Gaye’s hits “Stubborn Kind of Fellow”, “Hitch Hike” and “Pride and Joy”.
After replacing Mary Wells and The Andantes on a refuted session with a demonstration record for a Mickey Stevenson song, Motown president Berry Gordy suggested the girls to sign a contract as a recording group.
With Reeves as the confirmed lead singer, the name Vandellas was chosen with the final name being Martha and the Vandellas. Signing to Motown Records’ new Gordy subsidiary, Martha and the Vandellas gained a stature as hitmakers in the label almost as quickly after they were signed.
The group’s third hit, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave”, further established the group as recording stars. A third single, “Quicksand”, continued that rise in late 1963.But Beard’s rise to fame was overshadowed by a romance with a suitor. Within a few months, Beard announced she was engaged and pregnant with her first child.
Beard opted to leave the group in the winter of 1964. Beard was replaced by former Velvelettes member Betty Kelly while Beard retired from show business.
“The Original Vandellas” sometimes reuniting with Martha for benefit concerts. In 1995, Beard joined Reeves, Ashford, Betty Kelly, Sandra Tilley (posthumously), and Martha’s sister Lois, as the group was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as member of Martha and the Vandellas. Beard has since retired from Ameritech and continues to perform.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia