Sweet Sensation

Sweet Sensation, a group formed by Bronx and Manhattan natives Mari and Margie Fernandez and Betty LeBron, was one of the few freestyle acts to cross into the mainstream. Originally named Sweet Temptation, the group changed their name after an objection from the Temptations' camp and signed with Next Plateau, where they debuted in 1986 with "Hooked on You" -- a single produced by Ted Currier and David Sanchez. After a 1987 single for the label, "(Goodbye Baby) Victim of Love," Sweet Sensation signed to ATCO. Take It While It's Hot, their debut album, was released in 1988. Four of its singles, including a new version of "Hooked on You," hit the Billboard Hot 100. Their second album, Love Child, followed in 1990 with a number 13 pop hit -- a freestyle update of Diana Ross & the Supremes' Motown hit of the same title -- and a pop/rock ballad, "If Wishes Came True," that went to number one. The remix album Time to Jam! was released in 1991. The group didn't release another album and went through extended stretches of inactivity and a series of lineup changes. As of 2013, the group was performing and featured original member LeBron. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi