SWV (Sisters With Voices)
The WE! reality show “SWV Reunited” about the hit
1990s R&B girl group is a cautionary tale for music groups, who
allow fame to tear them apart and break up their bands. The trio had
a string of top R&B hits that crossed over on the Billboard charts
and with audiences, but as with many music groups, the turmoil
taking place behind the scenes tore them apart.
Many R&B, rock, pop and boy bands have experienced this.
However, when you become famous and in demand, you should never
assume it will always be that way and that you can stop, then years
later resume your career right where you left off. Music seldom
works that way. Only 1% of music artists can successfully do that.
Many find out later when they try to stage a comeback after
splitting at the height of their fame that times and styles have
moved on and it’s almost like starting all over again. Learn to make
things work and last while you’re on top.
Music acts need to be single minded, determined and
disciplined enough to get along, be on the same page regarding the
business and musical direction of the group, putting personal
feelings aside when doing business. The inability to get along has
destroyed many groups. Then you have hangers-on and opportunistic
outside influences seeking to get an illegal cut of the group’s
revenues, telling them what they want to hear, while undermining
managers, agents and promoters stars are contractually obligated to
under the law.
People need to honor their contracts, make the most
of their opportunities and learn to work with each other. That’s the
only way groups can get through fame and the industry in one piece
and with accomplishments and income to show for their years of work.
The children of the members of SWV have also
experienced legal trouble and scandal (one went to jail, another was
arrested and a third advertised her services as an escort willing to
have sex for money). Stars’ children often experience problems
because due to their parents’ money and fame they live privileged
lives.
Celebrities’ kids, just like everyone else’s
children, need to know hard work and discipline. They need to
understand they can’t have everything they want and what they want
they must work for. There’s nothing wrong with them having a job,
where they earn their own pay as teens, then as adults. It would
keep most of them out of trouble.
SWV's breakthrough debut CD
Side Bar: While watching “SWV Reunited” with
my mom, she kept calling them SUV and was so sure that is the name
of the group. Meanwhile, I’m sitting there looking at her laughing
like “Who? It's SWV, not SUV! They're not named after the vehicle!"
