one-to-one

One to One was a Canadian pop music group in the 1980s. They later changed their name to One 2 One.

Biography

Consisting of vocalist Louise Reny and producer Leslie Howe, the duo released three albums and scored ten hits across Canada between 1985 and 1992.

One to One evolved out of an Ottawa Valley band called Mainstream, who in the late '70s and early '80s, toured the local circuit performing cover songs. In 1983, Reny and Howe decided to strike out on their own, and after recording a few demos, they signed a two-album deal with Bonaire Records, and flew to West Germany to record.

The dance-fueled debut Forward Your Emotions was released in 1985 and became a smash hit across Canada. The singles "There Was a Time" and "Angel in My Pocket" charted on the Canadian Top 40, and the latter also became a minor hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts reaching #92. A third single "Black on White" only reached #90 on the Canadian charts.

Their 1988 follow-up 1-2-1 was a more guitar-based pop album that also became a hit in Canada. The hits "Hold Me Now" and "Do You Believe" climbed into the Canadian Top 40. Two more singles including The Supremes cover "Love Child" and "We've Got the Power" became modest hits as well.

Following the demise of Bonaire Records, the group signed to A&M Records as 'One 2 One'. Released in 1992, Imagine It was an adult contemporary-based album that gave the band another hit with "Peace of Mind (Love Goes On)". That song also charted on the Billboard charts at #95. Two more singles "Memory Lane" and "Friends" reached the Canadian Top 40 as well.

Following this success, Howe and Reny decided to pursue a different musical direction, and joined with three other musicians in the alternative rock band Sal's Birdland, which later morphed into the Artificial Joy Club.

Awards and recognition

In 1986, the band was nominated for three Juno Awards:

• Most Promising Group of the Year
• Producer of the Year (Leslie Howe)
• Recording Engineer of the Year (Leslie Howe)

Leslie Howe was producer for Ontario based Hip Hop Duo--Mix Breed.

Discography

Albums

Singles

References

• Jam! Canadian Pop Encyclopedia - One to One entry

External links