In the 1980s, a pop band called One to One was formed in Ottawa. Although the group existed for a relatively short time, they released numerous tracks that became major hits in Canada throughout the 1980s and 1990s. More details at ottawa-trend.com.
How It All Began
Before One to One was founded, there was an Ottawa-based band called Mainstream. The members of this group were singer Louise Reny and producer Leslie Howe. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Mainstream toured across Ontario, performing cover versions of various popular songs. However, Leslie Howe and Louise Reny always aspired to something greater—they were determined to achieve success in the music industry and produce their own music.
In the early 1980s, they decided to pursue a solo career. In 1983, Louise Reny and Leslie Howe recorded several demo tracks, which led to their first contract with Bonaire Records for the release of two albums. In 1984, in Ottawa, the singer and producer officially formed their own pop band under the name One to One.
Recording the First Album and Chart Success
To record their first album, Louise Reny and Leslie Howe had to travel to Germany. Their debut album, Forward Your Emotions, was released in 1985 and quickly gained popularity among Canadian listeners.
The lead single from the album, There Was a Time, reached No. 14 on the Canadian charts, making it an instant hit in the country. The song became one of the defining tracks of the 1980s in Canada.
Following the release of their first album, One to One quickly gained widespread success. They produced catchy, rhythmic music that was also deeply emotional.
Another single from Forward Your Emotions, Angel in My Pocket, reached No. 24 on the Canadian charts and, in 1986, gained popularity in the United States, peaking at No. 92. Additionally, the track remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart of top U.S. songs for an entire month. This was an extraordinary achievement for the young band.
The success of One to One did not go unnoticed. In 1986, Louise Reny and Leslie Howe received three nominations for the prestigious Canadian Juno Awards:
- Most Promising Group of the Year
- Producer of the Year, awarded to Leslie Howe
- Recording Engineer of the Year, also awarded to Leslie Howe
Releasing Two More Albums and the Band’s Breakup
After their first album, One to One released their second successful album, 1-2-1, in 1988. The album’s lead single, Hold Me Now, reached No. 13 on the Canadian charts. Like their debut, the second album enjoyed significant success. Both Canadian and American audiences embraced the music of Louise Reny and Leslie Howe.
Several other singles from the album also made it onto the charts:
- Love Child – No. 43
- Do You Believe – No. 34
- We’ve Got the Power – No. 90
By the late 1980s, Bonaire Records, the label with which Louise Reny and Leslie Howe had signed their contract, shut down. As a result, the Ottawa-based pop band signed a new deal with A&M Records. This transition led to slight changes in the band’s stage image and name—they became One 2 One.
In 1992, One 2 One released their third and final album, Imagine It. The album’s lead single, Peace of Mind, reached No. 11 on Canada’s Top 100 Hits of 1992.
Despite their success, in 1993, Louise Reny and Leslie Howe decided to make a dramatic shift in their musical direction. They joined forces with three other musicians and formed a new rock band called Artificial Joy Club. This Ottawa-based rock band managed to release only one major hit, Sick and Beautiful, which reached No. 17 on the U.S. charts. However, in 1999, the group disbanded.
