Swing Out Sister

History

Swing Out Sister began as a trio in the UK, formed by Andy Connell on keyboards and Martin Jackson on drums, later joined by vocalist Corinne Drewery. The band's name came from an obscure Billie Burke B-musical from the 1940s, chosen because it was the only name they could agree upon, though they all disliked it. Connell and Jackson had previously played in other bands, while Drewery worked as a fashion designer and model before becoming lead vocalist. Prior to signing with Phonogram Records, Diane Charlemagne of 52nd Street was influential. Connell and Jackson, outside their roles in A Certain Ratio and Magazine, produced Electro tracks for Morgan Khan's Streetwise label with underground success, attracting interest from major labels including Phonogram/Mercury Records. When vocalised songs were requested, Connell approached Charlemagne, whom he knew through Factory Records, to sing on demos that helped secure the major-label contract. Charlemagne's involvement ended as 52nd Street moved from Factory to Virgin Records. With producer Paul Staveley O'Duffy, Swing Out Sister signed with Mercury Records and released the single "Blue Mood" in the UK in November 1985, which did not chart. In late 1986, "Breakout" reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. Their debut album, It's Better to Travel, released on 11 May 1987, reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album blended real horns, synths arranged to sound like strings, drums, and xylophones, scored by Richard Niles. The follow-up single "Surrender" featured a trumpet solo by John Thirkell and rose to number seven on the UK charts in January 1987. Subsequent singles included the more serious and jazzy "Twilight World" and the upbeat "Fooled By a Smile." The band received two Grammy Award nominations in 1988: Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo for "Breakout."