Quiet Elegance

Quiet Elegance

Company type	Vocal ensemble
Industry	Music
Founded	1971
Headquarters	Detroit, Michigan , United States
Products	Soul and Southern soul singles, albums

Quiet Elegance was a female vocal ensemble originating from Detroit, Michigan, established in 1971. Throughout the 1970s, they extensively toured as background singers and produced multiple soul and Southern soul singles. After their split in 1977, two albums compiling their work were released posthumously.

Background

The trio was composed of Mildred "Millie" Vaney (also known by the name Mildred Scott), Lois Reeves (who is the sibling of Martha Reeves), and Frances Yvonne "Frankie" Gearing. Prior to Quiet Elegance, Vaney and Gearing performed with The Glories; Vaney’s experience also included singing with the Pilgrim Female Gospel Singers, The Sermonettes, and the jazz ensemble Bobby Dilworth & the Blazers. Gearing, who served as the lead vocalist, had previously been part of The Laddins and the Steinways. Her brother, guitarist Johnny Starr, collaborated with prominent musicians such as Jackie Wilson and Little Richard.

Active years

Under the management of The Temptations, with Gearing engaged to Dennis Edwards of The Temptations, Quiet Elegance was discovered in 1972 by producer Willie Mitchell during a performance in Memphis. They signed with Memphis-based Hi Records and were managed and produced by Mitchell alongside Dan Greer. The group supported tours for artists including Al Green, and also performed internationally with Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck. Between 1972 and 1977, they released several singles on Hi Records; among these was "You've Got My Mind Messed Up," which reached number 54 on Billboard's R&B chart in 1973.

The group dissolved in 1977 following the conclusion of their contract with Hi Records. Lois Reeves returned to perform with her sister in the Vandellas. Vaney later became part of Cut Glass alongside Ortheia Barnes (sister of J. J. Barnes) and reemerged in the 1980s under the name Millie Scott, releasing singles and two albums through the 4th & Broadway label. Gearing recorded solo tracks with Beale Street Records in 1978 before relocating back to St Petersburg, Florida, where she continued local performances and pursued acting opportunities, including a role in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Recordings

Quiet Elegance produced eight singles for Hi Records, including one promotional release. These tracks, along with additional songs penned by Dan Greer, were collected into the 1990 album You've Got My Mind Messed Up, which featured sixteen songs. This compilation was reissued in 2001 and again in 2003 under the title The Complete Quiet Elegance, expanding to 19 and then 21 tracks respectively, incorporating bonus material and alternate mixes. Both versions contain compositions by Al Green, notably a rendition of his 1971 hit "Tired of Being Alone". Tracks by Quiet Elegance have also been featured on various soul music anthology collections.

Discography

All releases on Hi Records:

Singles

• 1972: "I'm Afraid of Losing You" / "Do You Love Me"
• 1972: "I Need Love" / "Mama Said"
• 1973: "I Need Love" / "You've Got My Mind Messed Up"
• 1974: "Love Will Make You Feel Better" (promo single)
• 1975: "Your Love Is Strange" / "Love Will Make You Feel Better"
• 1975: "Have You Been Making Out O.K."
• 1976: "Something That You Got (Sho Nuff Makes Me Hot)" / "After You"
• 1977: "Roots of Love" / "How's Your Love Life"

Albums

• 1990: You've Got My Mind All Mixed Up
• 2001: The Complete Quiet Elegance Collection
• 2003: The Complete Quiet Elegance (expanded re-release with bonus tracks)