This month, we honor, celebrate, and pay homage to the beautiful, talented, dynamic, disco-soul singing, sister trio, Dorothy, Deborah, and Denise Clement, better known as, “Direct Current,” from North Philadelphia.  The ladies grew up in a family full of talented singers and started out singing in church.  Their father David and mother, Viola Clement could sing as well and their three siblings Diane, Darlene, and David could also sing.   As a family, they sang together often and originally formed a sibling group titled, The Crafton Harmonizers.  Denise, David and both parents are now deceased (rest well in Paradise). Deborah, Dorothy and Denise formed the singing group, Direct Current in 1978.  Their brother David, helped to launch their singing career, after he introduced the sisters to a co-worker who was well connected in the music industry.  The singing talent of Direct Current is unmatched and to no surprise, in 1979, their hit single, which Dorothy, Denise, and Deborah “Debbie” wrote, “Everybody Here Tonight Must Party, “ was a huge hit that reached number one on many music charts. This smash hit was played in heavy rotation on radio stations in Philly, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, as well as globally.  The single was number one on the Top Disco Cuts chart, exceeding Patti Labelle and Cher’s singles.  In 1979, Everybody Here Tonight Must Party, was #2 on the Billboard Regional Disco Chart.  The song was such a hit that Philadelphia radio personality, Wendy "Lady B" Clark sampled their music on her single, "To the Beat Yall," which was her only hit rap song.  Direct Current's music was played in over 25 countries, including the United Kingdom.

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As the world embraced their musical talents, Direct Current, performed on several stages and in night clubs across the globe.  Dorothy, Deborah and Denise are one of the best harmonizing female groups of all time, who never really got the main stream recognition or compensation that they truly deserve. The sisters sing so well in unison that you could tell that they were all on one harmonious accord.  Their powerful, sultry voices is so undeniable that many artists wanted Direct Current to sing on their albums.  In the 80's they performed along with Gloria Gaynor, BT Express and Grace Jones in New York at the World's Largest Disco, which made the Guinness Book of World Records.  The trio appeared on KYW’s hit television show, City Lights, and performed background vocals for several Grammy award winning music artists such as:  Patti LaBelle (If Only You Knew Album), David Ebo (I’d Rather Be By Myself Album), Evelyn Champagne King (Out There), Instant Funk (Slam Dunk the Funk, for an NBA Tribute), William DeVaughn (Be Thankful for What You Got), Cecil Parker (Chirpin’ Album), and several known Philly artists.  Dorothy, Deborah and Denise Clement unfortunately did not get the recognition that they truly deserve for all of their accomplishments and contribution to the music industry.  They are a part of R&B, and disco-soul music history and made great music that everyone could dance to.  Their 1979 album is still being played around the world.  With the rise of digital streaming platforms, you can find many people across the globe who are still selling their album and unfortunately to-date, Direct Current has not received proper royalties.   

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Despite the inequity in the music industry, three women falsely impersonating Direct Current, and other challenges Dorothy, Deborah, and Denise encountered in the music industry, the twin sisters, Deborah and Dorothy continue to rise above those challenges.  The group Direct Current is definitely a part of the unfortunate musical story that many legendary artists who appeared on the television show Unsung, experienced.  Nevertheless, Dorothy and Deborah are still passionate about their love of music, singing, songwriting, and continue to share their musical talents with the world, currently as "The Twins."  This musical talent continues throughout the family, generation after generation; from their children to their grandchildren as well as the extended family.  Dorothy, Deborah and Denise's talents, hard work, contribution to music history, and dedication should not go unnoticed.  In 2013, Direct Current was rightfully placed in the R&B Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, OH and later recognized by Pamela Renee in honor of the Black Music Month Sound of Philadelphia Tribute. 

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I am so proud of all of their accomplishments and extremely proud to say that these phenomenal ladies are my Aunts.  It is with extreme pleasure that we feature Dorothy, Deborah, and Denise Clement, also known as Direct Current in the March 2022 issue of the Love Exquisite Magazine.  I Love You, Aunties! RIP Auntie Niecy, we miss you.  Happy Birthday Twins!!  May the Lord continue to bless you in every area of your life and may you continue to make music together.  Always remember, “Nothing Can Stop Us!”...pun intended.

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By Lynnette Clement