eternal were formed in 1992 by music manager denis ingoldsby of first avenue records, after which eddie gordon showed him how the success of en vogue was built in the united kingdom. eternal were quickly signed to emi records and released their debut single, "stay", in september 1993. the song was a success and it reached number four in the uk singles chart. easther and vernie bennett were scouted in a nightclub in london and eventually found louise nurding. the trio began working together and recording until louise introduced her longtime friend kéllé bryan to the management and joined the group.