Destiny's Child and Until There's A Cure

Destiny's Child is a major contributor to the Until There's A Cure Foundation. The group rose to become one of the most popular female R&B acts of the late '90s, eventually rivaling even TLC in terms of blockbuster commercial success. The group's accomplishments came in spite of several abrupt personnel changes, accompanied by heated, well-publicized feuds in the media and the courts. In fact, for a time, Destiny's Child was known for drama as much as its music. Once the group stabilized again, though, it emerged with even more hit-making power than before.

Destiny's Child was formed in Houston, Tex., in 1990, when original members Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson were just 9 years old. After the two met at an audition and became friends, Knowles' father, Mathew, set about developing an act based on their singing and rapping, drawing their name from a passage in the Book of Isaiah. Beyoncé's cousin Kelendria "Kelly" Rowland joined the group in 1992, and shortly thereafter they landed an appearance on "Star Search," where they performed a rap song. The quartet's lineup was finalized (for the time being) when LeToya Luckett joined in 1993, and they spent the next few years working their way up from the Houston club scene, eventually opening for artists like SWV, Dru Hill and Immature. In 1997, Destiny's Child was offered a recording contract by Columbia.

Their self-titled debut album was released in early 1998, featuring production by Wyclef Jean and Jermaine Dupri, among others. "Bills, Bills, Bills" became the group's first No. 1 pop hit (and second R&B No. 1) in the summer of 1999.

That was just the beginning of the group's breakout success. The second single, "Bug a Boo," didn't perform as well, but the third single, "Say My Name," was another massive hit, their biggest so far; it hit No. 1 on both the pop and R&B charts for three weeks apiece in early 2000, and made Destiny's Child a pop-cultural phenomenon. Another Destiny's Child single, "Jumpin' Jumpin'," hit the Top Ten, and The Writing's on the Wall sold a whopping 8 million copies. "Independent Women, Pt. 1," from the Charlie's Angels soundtrack, raced up the charts and spent an astounding 11 weeks at No. 1. Destiny's Child members were now indisputable superstars, the biggest female R&B group on the scene, and they quickly began work on a new album to capitalize. The trio released Destiny Fulfilled in November 2004.      

About Until There's A Cure

Until There's A Cure is a national organization dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds to combat this pandemic. Its dream is that no one else will become infected with HIV. On behalf of those who are HIV positive, Until There's A Cure is dedicated to educating all people about the virus and the overwhelming need for love, compassion and responsibility in fighting the disease.

Until There’s A Cure is committed to funding innovative programs that promote AIDS awareness and prevention education for young Americans; providing financial support for care and services for those living with AIDS; and actively supporting AIDS vaccine development, which offers the best hope for reducing the spread of the HIV virus.

What You Can Do

There are a number of ways to get involved with Until There's A Cure.

Like Destiny's Child and other celebrities, you too can wear the Bracelet™ to support the cause. The Bracelet serves not only as a bridge to unite people to fight HIV/AIDS, but to help people to recognize that anyone—man, woman or child—can be infected, and that everyone should be compassionate, understanding and responsible. By purchasing a Bracelet you are funding AIDS vaccine development and care and support services for those living with AIDS. You are also giving a visible sign that you support AIDS research and are raising awareness among others.

The Bracelet comes in several metals and four sizes and is a beautiful symbol of awareness and remembrance. Until There's A Cure also offers several other styles of the Bracelet, including sterling silver with leather cords and the popular jelly bracelets, which are available in many bright colors. Prices vary according to the quality metal in the bracelet you are purchasing.

A fun option is to purchase a celebrity photo. People Magazine and Until There's A Cure proudly present an exclusive opportunity for you to purchase a limited-edition, signed photograph from the People Magazine Celebrity Photo Collection. Created by world-renowned photographers, these images have appeared in People Magazine and were personally selected and autographed by each celebrity to benefit Until There's A Cure.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Discuss this article and other topics in the Celebrity Values group on Facebook.