Destiny's Child is an American R&B and pop group. Originally a duo and later a quartet, the group is today a trio, whose members are Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The Grammy-winning group has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, making them the Best R&B/Pop Female Vocal Group in the world; and solo recordings, by all three members, now bring that total to over 50 million.
Early career
Destiny's Child were formed in Houston, Texas, in 1990, when original members Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson were just nine years old; the two met at an audition and became friends, and Knowles' father Matthew set about developing an act based on their singing and rapping, under the name GirlTyme. Later Tina Knowles, Beyonce's mother took their name from a passage in the Book of Isaiah. Kelendria "Kelly" Rowland joined the group in 1992, and shortly thereafter they landed an appearance on Star Search, where they performed a rap song. The quartet's lineup was finalized (for the time being) when LeToya Luckett joined in 1993, and they spent the next few years working their way up from the Houston club scene, eventually opening for popular R&B artists like SWV, Dru Hill, and Immature. In 1997, Destiny's Child was offered a recording contract by Columbia Records.
Destiny's Child (1998)
The group made their recording debut with "Killing Time," which appeared on the soundtrack for the 1997 blockbuster, Men In Black. Destiny's Child released their self-titled debut album to mixed reviews on February 17, 1998. The album's first single, "No, No, No" featured two completely different versions of the same song. "No, No, No Pt.1" and "No, No, No Pt.2" were both released simultaneously, however, Part II was considered a "remix" version of Part I. "No, No, No Pt.2" featuring The Fugees member Wyclef Jean, quickly climbed to No.1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No.3 Pop. The blockbuster single sold over 1 million copies, turning the group into an instant R&B music sensation. However, follow-up singles "With Me Pt.1" (which also had two different versions) and "Get On The Bus" failed to reproduce the blockbuster success of "No, No, No." Destiny's Child eventually went Platinum after later success. Expectations weren't high for the group's second album, as most industry critics considered them to be another disposable R&B girl-group with one-hit wonder status.
The Writing's On The Wall (1999)
Destiny's Child re-entered the studio quickly, bringing in an impressive lineup of talented producers, including Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs , Rodney Jerkins, Dwayne Wiggins , Chad Elliot , Daryl Simmons , and Missy Elliott. Critics were generally positive about the album. Music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote "The Writing's On The Wall... an assured step forward for the girl group. Not only are they maturing as vocalists, they are fortunate to work with such skilled, talented producers... who all give the quartet rich, varied music upon which to work their charm." Lead single "Bills, Bills, Bills" became the group's first No.1 pop hit (and second R&B No.1) in the summer of 1999, and paced by its success, the accompanying album, The Writing's on the Wall, entered the charts at No.6 upon its release on July 27, 1999. The second single, "Bug-a-Boo" hit the Top 40 pop charts, while its music video received heavy rotation on MTV and BET.
Buoyed by the group's breakout success, two of its original members, Letoya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, attempted to split with manager Matthew Knowles, charging that he kept a disproportionate share of the band's profits, attempted to exert too much control, and unfairly favored his daughter and niece. While they never intended to leave the group, relations naturally grew strained, and when the video for "Say My Name" premiered in February 2000, many fans (not to mention Roberson and Luckett) were surprised to find two new members — Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin — joining Knowles and Rowland. Infuriated, Roberson and Luckett took legal action in March, suing both Knowles and their former bandmates for breach of partnership and fiduciary duties. A war of words followed in the press; meanwhile, Destiny's Child became a pop-cultural phenomenon. "Say My Name" was the group's most irresistible and biggest single to date, becoming the group's third No.1 single. The abrupt membership changes within the group seemed to only heighten the group's visibility, finally separating them from the endless pack of teen R&B starlets.
In June 2000, the album's fourth single, "Jumpin' Jumpin'" became a Top 5 hit, however, another departure came from the ever-evolving girl-group. Farrah Franklin, who had replaced an original member just five months prior, left the group for various personal reasons. This split was less controversial, while The Writing's On The Wall would eventually sell a massive 9 million copies by the end of summer. In the meantime, toward the end of 2000, Roberson and Luckett dropped the portion of their lawsuit aimed at Rowland and Knowles in exchange for a settlement, though they continued to pursue action against Knowles' father; as part of the agreement, both sides were prohibited from attacking each other publicly.
Misfortune struck the group, in late July 1999. A stalker by the name of LaToya Langford, a fan from San Diego, California began writing death threats to the group, more specifically aimed at Beyoncé if Knowles did not lick Lanford's vagina. The group cancelled their tour through San Diego and filed a restraining order against Langford. Langford continued the harrasment until her arrest on August 23, 1999 in her home in San Diego, California.
"Independent Women"
With Langford in jail, the group safely came out of hiding and now reduced to a trio, Destiny's Child was tapped to record the theme song for the film version of Charlie's Angels; released as a single in October, "Independent Women, Pt. 1" raced up the charts and spent an astounding 11 consecutive weeks at number one. Destiny's Child were now indisputable superstars, among the biggest female pop groups, and they quickly began work on a new album to capitalize on their success. In the meantime, Destiny's Child won 2 Grammy awards for "Say My Name," including Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and Best R&B Song. While speaking with MTV.com, Rowland had this to say about the upcoming album: "I know everybody can relate to this album — it's very diverse and inspiring. The year 2000 was very challenging, and I know that gave Beyoncé a lot of inspiration to write songs for the album. We cannot wait for everybody to hear it. It's so empowering for a lot of people who have already heard a little bit of it."
Survivor (2001)
Beyoncé had long since emerged as the group's focal point, and on the third Destiny's Child album, she assumed more control than ever before, taking a greater hand in writing the material and even producing and co-writing the entire album. "We're excited about the album," Knowles told MTV News shortly before the album's release. She adds,"...I got a chance to co-write and produce all of the songs." "And she did an incredible job," the group's Kelly Rowland added. "But everybody is a part of the music," Knowles said. "Everybody is singing lead on every song, and it's so great — because now Destiny's Child is at the point vocally and mentally that it should be at. It's just great to be a part of this group." Survivor — whose title was reportedly inspired by a DJ's crack about Destiny's Child members voting one another off the island, much like the popular CBS reality series Survivor — hit stores in the spring of 2001, and entered the charts at number one, selling over 663,000 copies in its first week sales (the highest ever for a girl-group.) The first two singles, "Survivor" and "Bootylicious", were predictably huge hits, with the latter becoming the group's fourth No.1 pop single. A cover of Andy Gibb's "Emotion" was also successful, becoming a Top 10 pop hit. Survivor sold well — over twelve million copies — more than
its predecessor. Toward the end of the year, the group released a holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas, and announced plans for a series of side projects, including solo albums from all three members (to be staggered over the next year and a half, so as to avoid competition). In early 2002, a remix compilation titled This Is the Remix was released to tide fans over.
Solo projects
Michelle Williams
Williams became the first member of Destiny's Child to have a solo project released. “Heart To Yours,” a contemporary gospel collection that reached No.1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Her second gospel album, Do You Know reached the No. 2 slot on the Top Christian Album chart and No. 3 on the Top Gospel Albums chart shortly after its release in January 2004.Williams also earned rave reviews after replacing Toni Braxton in the lead role of "Aida" on Broadway in November 2003.
Kelly Rowland
In October 2002, Rowland’s solo debut, Simply Deep featured the No.1 Billboard Hot 100 smash hit, "Dilemma," a Grammy-winning (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration) duet with hip-hop superstar Nelly. The album became an international smash, hitting the No.1 slot on the U.K. and several other countries' album charts while peaking in the U.S. at No.3 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart. In 2003, Rowland made her feature film debut in the box-office smash "Freddy Vs. Jason".
Beyoncé Knowles
In 2002, Knowles co-starred with Mike Myers in the box-office blockbuster Austin Powers in Goldmember. She recorded a single for its soundtrack called "Work It Out." However, her breakout solo success has eclipsed the other two Destiny's Child members. Her 2003 solo debut, Dangerously In Love, debuted at No.1 and sold over 5 million copies worldwide. It yielded the No.1 hits "Crazy In Love" featuring hip hop superstar Jay-Z and "Baby Boy" featuring Sean Paul. She's also dating Jay-Z, although their much talked about romance remains a mystery to most. Both Knowles and Jay-Z refuse to comment on the relationship. In September 2003, Knowles co-starred in her second feature film, The Fighting Temptations alongside Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. In 2004, Knowles won 5 Grammy awards for Dangerously In Love. She recently landed a role in a remake of The Pink Panther with Steve Martin.
Destiny Fulfilled (2004)
After three years apart, achieving individual success in movies, on Broadway, endorsements and with solo albums, the three women of Destiny's Child have reunited with a brand new album, Destiny Fulfilled. An upcoming world tour, sponsored by McDonald's, "Destiny Fulfilled and I'm Lovin' It", will hit 16 countries and over 75 cities worldwide, kicking off in Hiroshima, Japan on April 9th; stops will include Australia, throughout Europe, and concluding in the U.S. and Canada later this summer. Their latest CD, Destiny Fulfilled was executive produced and co-written by all three members. "Lose My Breath," the album's first single, produced by Rodney Jerkins, became the group's ninth Top 10 pop hit. The album was released in November 2004. The second single, "Soldier" featuring rappers T.I. and Lil Wayne quickly entered the Top 10, peaking at No.3 in February 2005 becoming the groups 10th top 10 pop hit. Despite receiving worldwide mixed reviews, Destiny Fulfilled was certified 3x Platinum in early 2005. The album's third US single is "Cater 2 U," while the international release is "Girl". Destiny's Child are now immortalized as Barbie Dolls, Toymakers Mattel created the latest Barbies as part of their Famous Friends range. The Barbies will go on sale in June 2005.
Discography
Albums: Group and Solo
| Year
| Title
| Label
| Chart Positions
| US Sales
|
|
|
| Group
|
|
|
| February 1998
| Destiny's Child
| Columbia Records
| #67 US #45 UK
| 1,000,000
|
| July 1999
| The Writing's On The Wall
| Columbia Records
| #5 US, #10 UK
| 8,000,000
|
| May 2001
| Survivor
| Columbia Records
| #1 US (2 weeks), #1 UK
| 4,000,000
|
| October 2001
| 8 Days of Christmas
| Columbia Records
| #34 US
| 500,000
|
| March 2002
| This Is The Remix
| Columbia Records
| #25 UK
|
| November 2004
| Destiny Fulfilled
| Columbia Records
| #2 US, #5 UK
| 3,000,000
|
|
|
| Michelle Williams
|
|
|
| April 2002
| Heart To Yours
| Columbia Records
| #57 US
|
| January 2004
| Do You Know
| Columbia Records
| #120 US
|
|
|
| Kelly Rowland
|
|
|
| October 2002
| Simply Deep
| Columbia Records
| #12 US, #1 UK
| 500,000
|
|
|
| Beyoncé Knowles
|
|
|
| June 2003
| Dangerously In Love
| Columbia Records
| #1 US, #1 UK
| 4,000,000
|
Hit singles
- "No No No" (1998) #3 US; #5 UK
- "With Me" (1998) #19 UK
- "Get on the Bus" (feat. Timbaland) (1999) #15 UK
- "Bills Bills Bills" (1999) #1 (1 week) US; #6 UK
- "Bug a Boo" (1999) #33 US; #9 UK
- "Say My Name" (2000) #1 (3 weeks) US; #3 UK
- "Jumpin' Jumpin'" (2000) #3 US; #5 UK
- "Independent Women Part 1" (2000) #1 (11 weeks) US; #1 UK; #1 World
- "Survivor" (2001) #2 US; #1 UK; #1 World
- "Bootylicious" (2001) #1 (2 weeks) US; #2 UK; #1 World
- "Emotion" (2001) #10 US; #3 UK
- "Lose My Breath" (2004) #3 US; #2 UK; #1 (11 weeks) World
- "Soldier" (2004) #3 US, #4 UK
- "Girl" (2005) #37 US
- "Cater 2 U" (2005) #95 US
Music Videos
Destiny's Child
- "No, No, No"
- "No, No, No Pt.2" remix
The Writing's on The Wall
- "Bills, Bills, Bills"
- "Bug A Boo"
- "Say my Name"
- "Jumpin, Jumpin"
Survivor
- "Independent Woman Pt.1"
- "Survivor"
- "Bootylicious"
- "Bootylicious" remix
- "Emotion"
- "Nasty Girl"
Destiny Fulfilled
- "Lose my Breath": 2004
- "Soldier": 2004
- "Girl": 2005
- "Cater 2 U": 2005
Solo
Beyonce Knowles
- "Work it Out"-Austin Powers:Goldmember Sountrack 2002
- "'03 Bonnie & Clyde-from Jay-Z's;The Blue Print 2: The Gift and the Curse 2003
- "Crazy in Love"-Dangerously in Love: 2003
- "Baby Boy"-Dangerously in Love: 2003
- "Fighting Temtaption"-The Fighting Temptations Soundtrack:2003
- "Me, Myself and I"-Dangerously in Love:2004
- "Naughty Girl"-Dangerously in Love: 2004
Kelly Rowland
- "Dilemma"-Simply Deep: 2002
- "Stole"-Simply Deep: 2002
- "Can't Nobody"-Simply Deep: 2003
Michelle Williams
- "Heard a Word"
- "Do You Know"
Awards
Grammy Awards
Brit Awards
- Best International Group: 2002
- Best International Female Solo Artist: 2004 (Beyoncé)
World Music Awards
- World's Best-Selling Artist or Group: 2002
- World's Best-Selling Pop Group: 2002
- World's Best-Selling R&B Group: 2002
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
- Favorite Singing Group: 2002
ASCAP Pop Music Awards
- Song Writer of the Year: 2001 (Beyoncé)
Billboard Music Awards
- Top Pop Artist: 2000
- Top Pop Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
- Top Hot 100 Artist: 2000
- Top Hot 100 Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
- Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist: 2000
- Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
- Top Pop Artist: 2001
- Top Pop Artist-Duo/Group: 2001
- Top Hot 100 Artist: 2001
- Top Hot 100 Artist-Duo/Group: 2001
- Top Hot Top 40 Artist: 2001
- Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist: 2001
- Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales ("Independent Woman Pt.1"): 2001
- Singles Artist of the Year: 2001
- Group/Duo of the Year: 2001
- New Female Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Hot 100 Female Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Hot 100 Award for Most Weeks at No.1: 2003 (Beyoncé)
- New R&B Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Artist Achievement Award: 2004
Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
- Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("No, No, No"): 1998
- Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist ("No, No, No"): 1998
- Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (Destiny's Child): 1998
- Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Say My Name"): 2000
- Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (The Writing's On The Wall): 2000
- Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Survivor"): 2001
- Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Emotion"): 2002
- Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (Survivor): 2002
MTV Video Music Awards
- Best R&B Video ("Say My Name"): 2000
- Best R&B Video ("Survivor"): 2001
- Best Female Video ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Best R&B Video ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Best Choreography ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
- Best Female Video ("Naughty Girl"): 2004 (Beyoncé)
MTV Europe Music Awards
- Best R&B Award; Beyoncé: 2003
- Best Song of the Year ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
BET Awards
- Best Group: 2001
- Best Female R&B Artist: 2004 (Beyoncé)
- Best Collaboration ("Crazy in Love"): 2004 (Beyoncé)
American Music Awards
- Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group: 2001
- Favorite Pop/Rock Album: 2002
- Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group: 2002
Soul Train Music Awards
- Sammy Davis Jr. Award for 'Entertainer of the Year': 2001
- Best Female R&B/Soul Album (Dangerously in Love): 2004 (Beyoncé)
- Best R&B/Soul Album (Destiny Fulfilled): 2005
NAACP Image Awards
- Outstanding Duo or Group: 2001
- Entertainer of the Year: 2004 (Beyoncé)
- Outstanding Duo or Group:2005
Radio Music Awards
- Artist of the Year/Hip-Hop Rhythmic Radio: 2001
- Artist of the Year-Top 40 Pop Radio: 2001
- Artist of the Year-Top 40 Radio: 2004 (Beyonce)
People's Choice Award
- Favorite Female Performer: 2004 (Beyoncé)
BMI Pop Awards
- Most Performed Song- "Bills, Bills, Bills":2001
- Most Performed Song-"Say my Name":2001
Block Buster Entertainment Awards
- Favorite Group: 2001
- Favorite Group-R&B: 2001
TRL Awards
- TRL's First Lady Award: 2004 (Beyonce)
- Walk This Way Award (Best Entrance): 2005
Kids' Choice Awards
- Favorite Singing Group: 2001
Vibe Award
- Coolest Collabo ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
Teen Choice Awards
- Choice Pop Group:2001
- R&B/Soul Album of the Year-Group, Band, or Duo:2001
Artist Direct(ADOMA) Awards
- Fravorite Group: Urban/Hip-Hop:2000
TMF Awards
- Best Pop Group International:2005
Broadway
Filmography
- Carmen: A Hip Hopera: 2001 (Beyoncé as Carmen)
- Austin Powers in Gold Member: 2002 (Beyoncé as Foxy Cleopatra)
- The Fighting Temptations: 2003 (Beyoncé as Lily)
- Freddy Vs. Jason: 2003 (Kelly as Kia)
- The Pink Panther: 2005 (Beyoncé as Xania)
- Dreamgirls: 200? (Beyonce)
Endorsements and Products
Fashion
- House of Dereon ; Beyonce
- About Beyond Productions, LLC
Beyond Productions, LLC was founded in May 2004 by Tina and Beyonce Knowles, Jason and Arthur Rabin and Cory Silverstein of Wear Me Apparel/Kids Headquarters. The partnership will provide the infrastructure for licensing and brand management to House of Dereon. This collaboration was orchestrated by Tina and Beyonce Knowles who wanted to bring trend-setting style and a creative take on fashion to stylish women everywhere. The design alliance features three co-creative directors, Beyonce and Tina Knowles, and Heather Thomson Schindler.
Other
Tours
- "TRL Tour": 2001
- "First Ladies";Beyonce: 2004
- "Destiny Fulfilled and I'm Lovin It" World Tour:2005
Books
DVD's
- The Platinum's on The Wall:2001
- Survivor:2001
- Beyonce Live At Wembley; Beyonce:2004
Records and Facts
- The Writing's On The Wall debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 Album chart. Nine months after its release, the album was #5 on the chart, having just experienced its best sales week ever.More than a year after the album's release, The Writing's On The Wall was still in the Top 20 (#11), selling upwards of 70,000 units per week.In the first year of its release, The Writing's On The Wall spent 47 out of 52 weeks in the Top 40 or better of the Billboard 200 Album chart.
- The week of October 24, 2000, Destiny's Child had two singles on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart: "Independent Women Part I" at #9, reaching 65 million listeners & "Jumpin Jumpin" at #5, reaching 75 million listeners.
- In 2000, Destiny's Child had three #1 records on the Billboard Hot 100: "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Say My Name," and "Independent Women Part I."
- At the end of November 2000, during its fourth straight week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, Destiny's Child's "Independent Women Part I" also reached the largest audience (140.4 million listeners) in the history of monitored airplay, breaking the record set in May 1999 by TLC's "No Scrubs."
- When "Independent Women Part I" hit #1 on the U.K. charts, Destiny's Child became the first American all-female group to hold that position since 1989, when the Bangles hit it with "Eternal Flame."
- With "Independent Women Part I,' Destiny's Child became the first American all-female group ever to debut at #1 on the U.K. charts.
- Dangerously In Love went to the top of the album charts in the UK and Canada, as well as on both the American pop (Billboard 200) and R&B charts. When single and album simultaneously topped the pop charts in both the US and the UK, she became the first act to achieve this feat since Men At Work in 1983 - in the '60s and '70s, it was performed by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and Rod Stewart.
Last updated: 08-03-2005 09:07:51
