SWV: Pioneers of 1990s R&B and New Jack Swing

Sisters With Voices, better known as SWV, is an American R&B vocal trio from New York City. The group achieved massive commercial success in the 1990s, selling over 25 million records worldwide and scoring a string of platinum albums and chart-topping singles.

Early career

SWV was formed in 1990 in New York City by Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" Johnson, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons. The trio was discovered after performing at a talent show and soon secured a recording contract with RCA Records, positioning them alongside other emerging female R&B groups of the era.

Breakthrough

The group's 1992 debut album, It's About Time, became their commercial breakthrough. Fueled by several hit singles, the album eventually reached quadruple-platinum status in the United States, cementing SWV as a dominant force in contemporary R&B and new jack swing.

Key tracks

Weak — This 1993 ballad became SWV's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains their signature song.

Right Here (Human Nature Remix) — A seminal remix that cleverly interpolated Michael Jackson, showcasing their versatility and earning a platinum certification.

I'm So Into You — The group's first top ten pop hit, establishing their smooth, harmonious sound on radio.

You're the One — Another top five pop hit that highlighted their vocal blend and songwriting on their multi-platinum debut.

Rain — A definitive 1990s R&B ballad that demonstrated their maturing sound and emotional depth.

Following their initial success, SWV released their second album, New Beginning, in 1996, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. The album featured the hit "You're the One" and a notable collaboration with Sean Combs on "Lose My Cool." After a hiatus, the trio reunited in 2005 and has since released new music, including the 2012 album I Missed Us, and continues to tour, celebrating their legacy in R&B music.

Fans of SWV's harmonious 90s R&B sound also enjoy the work of TLC, another iconic female trio that blended R&B with hip-hop sensibilities. En Vogue shares a similar foundation in powerful vocal harmonies and sophisticated production. The smooth stylings of Mary J. Blige echo the soulful authenticity SWV brought to their ballads. Xscape also emerged in the same era with a distinct vocal blend and a series of memorable R&B hits.

SWV's classic hits are staples on classic R&B and throwback radio stations, frequently featured in rotations that celebrate the golden era of 90s music. Their timeless ballads and uptempo tracks maintain a consistent presence on urban adult contemporary FM stations and dedicated online radio streams.

The music of SWV can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and enjoy their iconic R&B catalog through the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.