Pamela Hutchinson Dead: The Emotions ‘Best of My Love’ Singer Dies at 61

Pamela Hutchinson, singer of the family musical group, The Emotions, died on September 18, 2020, as reported by the official group’s Facebook page. She was 61.

The Emotions’ announcement read: “In loving memory, we are saddened to announce the passing of our sister, Pamela Rose Hutchinson, on Friday, September 18, 2020. Pam succumbed to health challenges that she’d been battling for several years. Now our beautiful sister will sing amongst the angels in heaven in perfect peace.”

“During this time, the family kindly asks for fans and friends to respect our privacy,” the statement continued. “We appreciate all kind words, photos, and videos you may want to post for our beloved Pamela and of course your loving prayers. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. We love you, Pamela!”

Very saddened to hear the news that Pamela Hutchinson of The Emotions (in the middle) passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020. RIP pic.twitter.com/gwofQtXInn

— Sir Charles Anthony (@daviskoresh) September 20, 2020

While Hutchinson was not an original member of the band, she joined older sisters, Wanda Hutchinson and Sheila Hutchinson, during the mid-’70s to replace their other sister, Jeanette Hutchinson. She became a permanent member of the group in 2000, according to their All Music biography.

The Emotions’ Hits Include ‘Best of My Love’ & ‘So I Can Love You’

The Emotions – Best Of My LoveSoaring vocals2010-09-18T16:29:53Z

Originally from Chicago, the group started out as gospel singers known as the Hutchinson Sunbeams. After touring with their father, Joe Hutchinson, and singing with Jerry Van Dyke’s Children’s Gospel TV show, they leaned into their R&B and soul vibes and changed their name to The Emotions.

The Emotions debut album, So I Can Love You, was released in 1969. After signing with Columbia Records, Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire helped propel the girl group into superstardom with the hit song, “Boogie Wonderland.”

RIP Pamela Hutchinson ❤️🙏
The Emotions are one of my favourite girl bands.
What’s your favourite track by them? pic.twitter.com/RZg7nIb3Bb

— Lorraine King (@lorrainemking) September 20, 2020

The Grammy-Award winning group released nine albums throughout the decades, and had numerous hits including the iconic, “Best of My Love.” The track “Best of My Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop & R&B charts, won them their first Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or a Group With Vocals, and went certified Platinum in the United States.

Tributes to Hutchinson Filled Social Media Following the News of Her Death

The Emotions Live 1979 MediumRare grouping of the Hutchinson sisters, Jeanette, Wanda & Pamela. Sheila didn’t make this tour. Jeanette did her leads. Here’s Jeanette singing lead on Flowers with Wanda & Pam backing her up.2009-03-24T22:38:47Z
Tributes to Hutchinson filled Facebook and Twitter following the sudden news of her death. A fan commented on The Emotions’ death announcement, “I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest sincere condolences to Ms. Pamela Rose Hutchinson’s family and friends. We will miss her beautiful voice, her memories and the legacy as the members from The Emotions will continue to live on. Rest in Heaven, until we meet again. You will be dearly missed.”

Pamela Hutchinson from The Emotions died….you know what 2020 can really go…I can’t deal….SMH

— JR’s World Of Soul (@MUSIQSOULKNICK) September 20, 2020

R.I.P. to the legendary Soul/R&B/Disco diva that is Pamela Hutchinson of The Emotions.🙏🏾💃🏾✨ pic.twitter.com/39KWLZcrZ7

— Killmonger Was The Rightful King🤴🏾 (@barenaissance) September 20, 2020

Rest Peacefully #PamelaHutchinson of #TheEmotions and Thank you for being a member of such an iconic group who gave us such iconic #music ❤️💔❤️ Sending nothing but #TheBestOfMyLove pic.twitter.com/kWQ81cqb5C

— TheSHAW (@JoinTheSHAW) September 21, 2020

One person on Twitter wrote, “Just heard Pamela Hutchinson from the group The Emotions passed away Friday. I can’t even tell you how much I love that band and those sisters beautiful harmonies with Pam on Best Of My Love and Don’t Ask My Neighbors. RIP Pam. Thank you for the music.”

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