The Hues Corporation

The Hues Corporation was an American soul trio formed in Santa Monica, California in 1969. The original lineup consisted of St. Clair Lee, Fleming Williams and Hubert Ann Kelley. Before achieving mainstream success, the group served as the opening act for notable performers including Frank Sinatra and Glen Campbell. The Hues Corporation recorded their first single "Goodfootin'" / "We're Keepin' Our Business" in 1970 under Liberty Records which did not chart. In 1972, they appeared in the blaxploitation film Blacula, contributing three songs to its soundtrack: "There He Is Again," "What the World Knows," and I'm Gonna Catch You." Their big break came in 1973 with their second single for RCA Records, "Freedom for the Stallion," from the album of the same name. The third single from this album, "Rock the Boat," became a chart-topper, reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1974 and selling over 2 million copies. This success helped establish disco as a prominent genre. Following this hit, the group released several more singles including "Rockin' Soul" (1974) and "Love Corporation" (1975). The Hues Corporation disbanded around 1980, though some sources suggest an earlier disbandment date of 1978. They later reunited in the 1990s for tour dates and special events due to the renewed popularity of disco music. St. Clair Lee died on March 8, 2011 while Fleming Williams passed away on February 15, 1998. Hubert Ann Kelley died on July 20, 2023.