Worked With:
- Genres: Rhythm & Blues
- Instrument: Vocals (Background)
Biography
Glodean White was the lead singer of Barry White's female protegée trio Love Unlimited, who can be heard on White's gold and platinum hits, as well as those by the Love Unlimited Orchestra. The group's two biggest hits were the gold single "Walkin' in the Rain (With the One I Love)" and the majestic ballad "I Belong to You." Under the Influence of Love Unlimited was certified gold and peaked at number three pop in late 1973.Glodean James and her sister Linda were born in Long Beach, CA, but grew up in San Pedro, CA. The sisters honed their vocal skills by singing in the church choir. They met Buffalo, NY, native Linda Taylor in their school choir. The trio formed the Croonettes in the early '60s. The trio met Barry White at a recording session that he was producing for singer Andrea Sprewell. Impressed by their sound, White became their manager and producer working with the trio for a year before getting a deal for them at Uni Records where the group hit with "Walking..." and later on 20th Century with "I Belong to You." Glodean James married Barry White in July 1974.
At the end of the '70s, Love Unlimited broke up. Linda James married and left the U.S. and Diane Taylor died of cancer in 1985. The couple recorded a 1981 duet album, Barry & Glodean, as part of a manufacturing/distribution deal White had with CBS Records for his Unlimited Gold label. The LP had two charting singles, "Didn't We Make It Happen Baby" and "I Want You."
Glodean White's background vocals can be heard on Barry White's 1999 Private Music/Windham Hill/BMG album Staying Power. Love Unlimited: Insights on Life and Love is the title of Barry White's autobiography written with Marc Elliot, published by Broadway Books in October 1999. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
