Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton (born Sheena Shirley Orr on April 27, 1959 in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland) is a female singer that began her career in the 1980s.

The youngest of six children, Sheena first began singing when she was five years old at the celebration of her aunt & uncle’s 25th wedding anniversary. She didn’t consider a singing career until she saw the Barbra Streisand film “The Way We Were.”

From 1975 to 1979, Sheena attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland on a scholarship where she trained as a speech & drama teacher during the day and sang with a band called Something Else in local clubs at night.

In 1979, Sheena married her first husband, Sandi Easton, but they divorced eight months later & she decided to keep her husband’s last name. During that same year, one of Sheena’s tutors at the Royal Scottish Academy convinced her to audition for Esther Rantzen, who was the producer of the BBC television show “The Big Time.”

Esther was planning a documentary film to document an unknown singer’s rise to pop music fame and Sheena was selected for the program where she met and sang with singers Dusty Springfield and Lulu, whose manager told Sheena that she wouldn’t make “the big time,” but within a year of the airing of “The Big Time,” Sheena proved Lulu’s manager wrong when she was offered a record contract with EMI Records.

For much of 1980, Sheena was followed by camera crews who filmed her as she worked on her debut single.
In February of 1980, she released her debut single “Modern Girl” which originally peaked at #56 on the U.K. Singles chart, but it later re-entered the chart, peaking at #8. When the single was released in the United States a year later, it peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
In May of 1980, Sheena released her second single “9 to 5” which became her first big hit, topping the charts in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

When the single was released in the United States in 1981, the song title was changed to “Morning Train (9 to 5)” to avoid confusion with Dolly Parton’s song “9 to 5” which charted at the same time as Sheena’s single.

During 1980, Sheena was voted for various awards such as “Best British Female Singer” by the Daily Mirror Pop & Rock Awards, “Best Newcomer” by Capital Radio and “Best Female Singer” by the TV Times Readers Awards.
In October of 1980, Sheena released her third single “One Man Woman” which was only released in Europe. The song managed to peak at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart and #5 in Ireland.

In January of 1981, Sheena’s debut album “Take My Time” was released. It peaked at #17 on the U.K. Albums chart. Two months later, the album was released in the United States & Canada as a self-titled ten-track album. It was certified Gold in the U.K. and the U.S.
The fourth single from the album “Take My Time” peaked at #44 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The last single from the album “When He Shines” peaked at #12 on the U.K. Singles chart, #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
In 1981, Sheena sang the theme song to the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.”

The song was originally planned in mind for Donna Summer or Dusty Springfield, but film company, United Artists suggested Sheena to sing the song. At first, songwriter Bill Conti wasn’t impressed with Sheena, but later decided to work with her after he met her in person.

The song peaked at #8 on the U.K. Singles chart and #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also nominated for “Best Song” at the 1982 Academy Awards and was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for “Best Music (Original Song).” Sheena also won a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” in 1981.
In September of 1981, Sheena released her third album “You Could Have Been With Me” which peaked at #33 on the U.K. Albums chart. When the album was released in the U.S. a year later, it peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200.
The first single from the album “Just Another Broken Heart” peaked at #33 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The second single from the album “You Could Have Been With Me” peaked at #54 on the U.K. Singles chart, #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
The last single from the album “A Little Tenderness” managed to chart in Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, but not in the U.K. or U.S.
In 1982, Sheena released her fourth album “Madness, Money & Music” which peaked at #44 on the U.K. Albums chart and #85 on the Billboard 200.
The first single from the album “Machinery” peaked at #38 on the U.K. Singles chart and #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The second & third singles “Are You Man Enough” and “Ice Out in the Rain” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
The last single from the album “I Wouldn’t Beg For Water” peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #19 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

During that same year, Sheena went on her first U.S. tour and her performance in Los Angeles, California was videotaped and broadcast on HBO (& later released on VHS) as “Sheena Easton Live at the Palace, Hollywood.”
In 1983, Sheena sang a duet with Kenny Rogers entitled “We’ve Got Tonight” which topped Billboard’s Country Singles chart and also peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #2 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #28 on the U.K. Singles chart.
During that same year, she released her fifth album “Best Kept Secret” which peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200 and #99 on the U.K. Albums chart.

For this album, Sheena fired her music producer Christopher Neil & hired American music producers such as Jay Graydon, Greg Mathieson and Trevor Veitch (who worked with Laura Branigan) & recorded the album in the United States.
The first single released from the album “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, #15 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart. In the U.K., the song only peaked at #84 on the U.K. Singles chart. It was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.”
The second single “Almost Over You” peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #89 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The last single from the album “Devil in a Fast Car” peaked at #79 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also charted in Japan, but it failed to make any impact in the United Kingdom.

In 1984, Sheena released her sixth (and first Spanish-language) album “Todo me recuerda a ti.” The album consists of her greatest hits sung in Spanish. The album went Gold in Mexico and Argentina.
The first single from the album, a duet with Mexican singer Luis Miguel called “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres” received a Grammy Award for “Best Mexican\Mexican-American Performance” at the 27th Grammy Awards, but the win received some controversy with Mexican-American musicians.
The follow-up single from the album, a Spanish-language version of “We’ve Got Tonight” was sung as a duet with singer Dyango.
In October of that same year, Sheena released her seventh album “A Private Heaven” which peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #26 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single “Strut” peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart. It also managed to chart in Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

It was also nominated for a Grammy for “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female” at the 27th Grammy Awards and introduced a more sexually suggestive image of Sheena.
The second single “Sugar Walls” peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s dance music charts. It also peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The song was written by Prince (using the pseudonym “Alexander Nevermind”). Because the song’s suggestive lyrics, it was put on the PMRC (Parents’ Music Resource Council)’s “Filthy Fifteen” songs list and the music video was banned due to its risque imagery.
The third single “Swear” peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #43 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Two more singles from the album “Back to the City” and “Hungry Eyes” didn’t generate a lot of success as the previous three singles did.

In November of 1985, Sheena released her eighth album “Do You” which peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200.

The first single from the album “Do It For Love” peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #21 on Billboard’s Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
The second single from the album, a cover version of Martha & the Vandellas song “Jimmy Mack” peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #30 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
The last single from the album “Magic of Love” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In late 1985, Sheena contributed the song “It’s Christmas (All Over the World)” to the 1985 film “Santa Claus The Movie.”
In 1986, Sheena contributed the song “So Far, So Good” for the film “…About Last Night” which peaked at #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.
In 1987, Sheena’s ninth album “No Sound But a Heart” was released in Canada, Japan, Mexico and other Asian markets.

The album was supposed to be released in the United States, but it ended up being delayed by EMI Records after the label was absorbed into EMI\Manhattan Records.
The lead single “Eternity” failed to make any impact on the charts at all. The album would be Sheena’s last release on EMI Records and in 1988, she signed with MCA Records.

During that same year, Sheena appeared in Prince’s concert film “Sign o’ the Times” and dueted with him on the song “U Got the Look” which ended up being nominated for two Grammy Awards for “Best R&B Vocal, Duo or Group” and “Best R&B Song.”

In November of 1987, Sheena guest-starred on the NBC series “Miami Vice” where she portrayed the role of Caitlin Davies for five episodes. She was also featured on the soundtrack to the show’s soundtrack with the song “Follow My Rainbow” which managed to chart in New Zealand & the Netherlands.

In November of 1988, Sheena released her tenth album “The Lover in Me” which peaked at #44 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. In the U.K., the album peaked at #30 on the U.K. Albums chart, making the first album to chart in the U.K. for over 5 years. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The title song became a hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #15 on the U.K. Singles chart, making it Sheena’s first top 20 hit in 8 years.

The second single from the album “Days Like This” peaked at #43 on the U.K. Singles chart and #35 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The third single “101” peaked at #54 on the U.K. Singles chart, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single from the album “No Deposit, No Return” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

In 1989, Sheena sang another duet with Prince on the “Batman” movie soundtrack called “The Arms of Orion” which peaked at #27 on the U.K. Singles chart and #27 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1990, Sheena revisited Scotland to perform at a festival in Glasgow, but after announcing that it was “good to be back home” in an American accent which resulted in fans throwing bottles (some of them containing urine) at her, she was forced to cut her set short. After that incident, Sheena vowed never to perform in Scotland again.
In 1991, Sheena released her eleventh album “What Comes Naturally” which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The title song peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #39 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks, making it Sheena’s last Top 40 hit in the United States.

The follow-up singles from the album “You Can Swing It” and “To Anyone” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

During that same year, she was featured on the soundtrack to the animated film “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest” with the track “A Dream Worth Keeping.”

In 1992, Sheena became an U.S. citizen and hold dual citizenship in the United States and Scotland. During that same year in Japan & Germany, an unofficial version of “Modern Girl (Live in San Diego)” was released with the recordings of “That’s Life” and was from her early years with EMI & it became sort of a bootleg version of her concert of her first worldwide 1982 tour.

In August of 1993, Sheena released her 12th album “No Strings” which featured jazz & standard music, leaving her previous pop\R&B music style behind.

One of the songs from the album “The Nearness of You” was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Indecent Proposal” where she was also featured in a cameo role singing the song as Herbie Hancock played the piano. The song was released as a promotional single in some markets in Europe, but it didn’t appear to make the charts.

In 1995, Sheena released her 13th album “My Cherie” which didn’t appear to make any album charts at all. The album featured adult pop music songs.

The title was released a single, but it failed to make any impact on the music charts at all.

The follow-up singles from the album “Too Much in Love” and “Flower in the Rain” failed to chart at all as well.

Between 1995 and 1996, Sheena adopted a boy named Jake and a girl named Skylar. In 1996, she provided the voice of Sasha La Fleur in the movie “All Dogs Go To Heaven 2” and was featured on the movie soundtrack as well.

In 1997, she sang the theme song to the movie “Shiloh” called “Are There Angels.” During that same year, Sheena guest-starred in a episode of the Canadian television series “The Outer Limits” and sang two songs from the “My Cherie” album.

In the late ’90s, Sheena signed an album deal with MCA Japan and in 1997, she released her 14th album “Freedom” which peaked at #53 on the album chart in Japan. It wasn’t released in the United States until 2007 (in order to coincide with the launch of her website).

The singles “Modern Girl ’97,” “When You Speak My Name” and “Love Me With Freedom” failed to make the charts at all.

In 1999, Sheena released her 15th album “Home” which peaked at #97 on the Japanese Albums chart.

The lead single “Carry A Dream” was the theme song to a Japanese animated film called “Marco.” The follow-up single “My Treasure is You” was also released, but it’s unknown how both singles made the charts.

Between 1999 and 2000, New York-based record label One Way Records gained the rights to release all of Sheena’s music from EMI-America Records.

In 2000, a CD of ballads sung by Sheena called “Best Ballads” was released by Universal Japan.

During that same year, Sheena signed a record deal with Universal International UK Records and released her 16th album “Fabulous” which peaked at #185 on the UK Albums chart.

The first single, a cover version of The Three Degrees’ song “Giving Up, Giving In” peaked at #54 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single from the album, a cover version of Donna Summer’s song “Love Is In Control” (along with the double A-side song “Don’t Leave Me This Way”) was released and a music video that took footage of Sheena’s album launch concert at the G-A-Y Nightclub in London, but it flopped & it ended up being shelved.

When “Fabulous” was released in Japan in February of 2001, a cover version of Frankie Valli’s song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” was released. During that same year, Sheena was asked to perform songs from the album to close out the 2001 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras ceremonies.

From 2002 to 2003, Sheena performed at the Las Vegas Hilton in a show called “For Your Ears Only.” In 2003, she contributed vocals to the song “If You’re Happy” for a CD in Japan called “Cover Morning Musume-Hello Project.” She also began hosting a talk show called “Vegas Live,” but was later replaced by Brian McKnight.

In 2004, she was inducted into the Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana Resort & Casino.

These days, Sheena lives in Henderson, Nevada and is the single mother of her son & daughter. Reportedly, she made shrewd investments in Florida property, but has denied those claims. In December of 2013, it was reported that Sheena sold her five-bedroom mansion in July of that same year for $430,650 and brought a smaller home.

These days, Sheena performs gigs sporadically and from 2013 to 2014, she had her own show called “The Sheena Easton Show” at the South Point Casino Las Vegas, but it appears that she has been staying out of the spotlight & it’s unknown if she’ll release another album anytime soon.

To see the music video for “Modern Girl,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “9 to 5 (Morning Train),” go to:

To see the music video for “One Man Woman,” go to:

To see the music video for “Take My Time,” go to:

To see the music video for “When He Shines,” go to:

To see the music video for “For Your Eyes Only,” go to:

To see the music video for “Just Another Broken Heart,” go to:

To see the music video for “You Could’ve Been With Me,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “A Little Tenderness,” go to:

To see the music video for “Machinery,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Are You Man Enough,” go to:

To see the music video for “Ice Out in the Rain,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Wouldn’t Beg For Water,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair),” go to:

To see the music video for “Almost Over You,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Devil in a Fast Car,” go to:

To see a video for “We’ve Got Tonight” (with Kenny Rogers), go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres” (with Luis Miguel), go to:

To see a fan-made video for “La Noche Y Tu” (with Dyango), go to:

To see the music video for “Back in the City,” go to:

To see a video for “Strut,” go to:

To see the music video for “Sugar Walls,” go to:

To see the music video for “Swear,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Hungry Eyes,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “It’s Christmas (All Over the World),” go to:

To see the music video for “Do It for Love,” go to:

To see the music video for “Jimmy Mack,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Magic of Love,” go to:

To see the music video for “So Far, So Good,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Eternity,” go to:

To see the music video for “The Lover in Me,” go to:

To see the music video for “Days Like This,” go to:

To see the music video for “101,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “No Deposit, No Return,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “The Arms of Orion,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Follow My Rainbow,” go to:

To see the music video for “What Comes Naturally,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “You Can Swing It,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “To Anyone,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “A Dream Worth Keeping,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “The Nearness in You,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “My Cherie,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Too Much in Love,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Flower in the Rain,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Modern Girl ’97,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “When You Speak My Name,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Love Me with Freedom,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Carry a Dream,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “My Treasure Is You,” go to:

To see the music video for “Giving Up Giving In,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Love Is in Control,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” go to:

Nodesha

Nodesha (born Nodesha Felix in 1985 in San Bernardino, California) is a female R&B singer from the 2000s.

In 2001, then 16-year-old Nodesha auditioned for Flyte Time Records via music producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and in order to get their attention, she started dancing on the table which convinced them to sign her to a record deal.

In October of 2003, Nodesha’s self-titled debut album was released in the U.K. and Japan. An album sampler was released in the U.S., but the full album wasn’t released. These days, the album is now available for digital download on iTunes and CD Baby.

The lead single from the album “Get it While It’s Hot” was moderately successful, peaking at #55 on the U.K. Singles chart and also managed to chart in Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Even though the single was released in the United States and it received a positive review from Billboard Magazine, it failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts at all.

The follow-up singles from the album “That’s Crazy,” “Sugar Buddy” and “Miss Perfect” (which featured British rapper Abs and was featured on his 2003 debut album as well) failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

After that, it seemed as if Nodesha faded into obscurity and nothing much was heard from her until 2012 when she released the single “Unofficial” on CD Baby.

These days, Nodesha appears to still be active in the music business and in 2015, she released a new single called “I Believed N U.”

To see the music video for “Get it While It’s Hot,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “That’s Crazy,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Sugar Buddy,” go to:

To see the music video for “Miss Perfect,” go to:

Patrice Rushen

Patrice Rushen (born Patricia Louise Rushen on September 30, 1954 in Los Angeles, California) is a female R&B\jazz singer, composer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist.

When she was only 3 years old, Patrice’s parents enrolled her in music classes at USC and by her teen years, she won a solo competition at the 1972 Monterey Jazz Festival which earned her a record contract with Prestige Records. Patrice attended Locke High in South Los Angeles, California and attended the University of Southern California where she earned a degree in music.

In 1974, Patrice released her debut album “Prelusion” which was mainly a instrumental jazz record. It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts.

In 1975, she released her second album “Before the Dawn” which featured a fusion of R&B, pop and rock elements to jazz music. The album managed to peak at #14 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart and #48 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

In 1977, Patrice released her third album “Shout it Out” which peaked at #164 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart.

The album would be her last album on Prestige Records before signing with Elektra Records. Patrice was also featured on albums by artists such as Eddie Henderson & Donald Byrd.

In 1978, Patrice released her self-titled album (and first on Elektra Records) “Patrice” which peaked at #98 on the Billboard 200, #27 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #5 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart.

The album was heavily criticized by jazz fans due to the album featuring a more R&B\pop music style and Patrice was accused of being a sellout.

The first single “Hang It Up” peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The follow-up single “When I Found You” peaked at #87 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 1979, Patrice released her fifth album “Pizzazz” which peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200, #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #2 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart.

The first single from the album “Givin’ It Up Is Givin’ Up” peaked at #47 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The second single “Haven’t You Heard” peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #7 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.

The last single released from the album “Let the Music Take Me” peaked at #50 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1980, Patrice released her sixth album “Posh” which peaked at #71 on the Billboard 200 and #23 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single “Look Up!” peaked at #102 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (along with “Never Gonna Give You Up”) and #13 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The follow-up single “Never Gonna Give You Up” peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (along with “Look Up!”).

In 1982, Patrice released her seventh album “Straight From the Heart” which peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album “Forget Me Nots” became Patrice’s biggest & well-known hit to date, peaking at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music chart.

The follow-up single “Breakout!” peaked at #46 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The last single released from the album “I Was Tired of Being Alone” peaked at #79 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

In 1984, Patrice released her eighth album “Now” which peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on Billboard’s R&B & Top Jazz Albums charts.

The lead single from the album “Feels So Real (Won’t Let Go)” peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #3 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The follow-up single “Get Off (You Fascinate Me)” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #26 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. After that, Patrice left Elektra Records and signed with Arista Records.

In 1987, Patrice released her ninth album (and only album on Arista Records) “Watch Out!” which peaked at #77 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The second single from the album “Anything Can Happen” peaked at #51 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The last single released from the album “Come Back to Me” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and #65 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles Chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

During that same year, Patrice composed two songs for the Robert Townsend film “Hollywood Shuffle.”

In 1988, Patrice was the musical director for his HBO variety show series “Partners in Crime.” She was also a musical consultant for “The Women of Brewster Place” and the musical director for the TV series “The Midnight Hour.”

In 1990, Patrice released her 10th album “The Meeting” which also featured artists such as saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist Alphonso Johnson and drummer Leon “Ndugu” Chancler. The album peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

In 1993, Patrice served as the musical director for Janet Jackson’s “Janet” world tour. During that same year, she signed a record deal with Hollywood Records.

A year later in 1994, she released her eleventh album “Anything but Ordinary” which failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

The album was supposed to be released on Hollywood Records, but the label wasn’t happy with it & they ended up shelving it, but Sin-Drome Records bought the album rights & re-issued the album.

In 1997, her publishing company was honored by the ASCAP for Will Smith’s song “Men in Black” (wich sampled Patrice’s song “Forget Me Nots”).

In 1998, Patrice released her 12th album “Signature” on GPR Records which peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

Since then, Patrice’s career has taken off. She has been the only female music director\composer for the People’s Choice Awards, worked with HBO’s Comic Relief, became the first woman to serve as the musical director for the NAACP Image Awards and the first woman in 43 to serve as the head composer\musical director of the Emmy Awards.

Patrice has composed music in film & television and has performed & produced music for various artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Carlos Santana, Tom Jones, Nancy Wilson, Boyz II Men and George Benson. She has also served as a Composer in Residence with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2000 and 2001.

In 2005, Patrice received an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music and a year later, she was honored by Jazz At Lincoln Center at the 2nd Annual Diet Coke Women in Jazz Festival. In April of 2008, she accepted a professorship at Berklee where she teaches a course called “Patrice Rushen: The Value of Music Education.”

These days, Patrice composes music for films, television & orchestras. She also still continues to perform. She also works closely with the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, NARAS “Grammy in the Schools” program & works with other organizations that are dedicated to establishing music education & mentorship programs for inner-city youth.

To see a fan-made video for “Hang It Up,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “When I Found You,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Givin’ It Up is Givin’ Up,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Haven’t You Heard,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Let the Music Take Me,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Look Up,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Never Gonna Give You Up,” go to:

To see the music video for “Forget Me Nots,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Breakout,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “I Was Tired of Being Alone,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Feels So Real (Won’t Let Go),” go to:

To see the music video for “Get Off (You Fascinate Me),” go to:

To see the music video for “Watch Out,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Anything Can Happen,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Come Back to Me,” go to:

Scene 23

Scene 23 was a pop music group from the 2000s that was formed by the winners of the WB Network reality series “Popstars 2” which aired in the fall of 2001.

The members consisted of Monica Christian, Laurie Gidosh, Donavan Green, Josh Henderson (born Joshua Baret Henderson on October 25, 1981 in Dallas, Texas), Moises Juarez (who was later kicked out of the group on the show) and Dorothy Szamborska (who was a member of short-lived girl group R Angels).
In 2001, their album “Popstars 2: Introducing Scene 23” was released. One of the songs from the album “I Really Don’t Think So” was picked as the group’s first single & they filmed a music video for it, but it was never commercially released.

After the group’s record label, London-Sire Records folded, the group attempted to move to Atlantic Records, but it didn’t work out and they disbanded in early 2002.

Josh is currently pursuing an acting career. Dorothy moved to Los Angeles in 2005 where she is trying to revive her career. Moises is a member of the band Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds.

Laurie (now Lauriana Mae) appeared on the MTV reality talent show “P. Diddy’s Starmaker” in 2009, but was eliminated in the 9th episode. These days, she is now a solo artist. It’s unknown what Monika Christian and Donavan Green are up to these days.

To see the music video for “I Really Don’t Think So,” go to:

R Angels

R Angels were a girl group from the 2000s that consisted of members Vonnie King, Gina Minks, Lian Sorhaindo and Dorothy Szamborska (born on April 15, 1981 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland). In 1999, they were signed to Motown\Universal Records.

In 1999, they released their first single “I Need to Know” which was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Stuart Little.” It’s unknown how or if the single made any impact on the charts.

In 2000, R Angels released their debut (and only) album “Where’s the Party?” which didn’t appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

Their follow-up single “Left To Right” failed to make any impact on the charts at all. R Angels toured with artists such as LFO, B*Witched and Nick Cannon. They even performed at *NSYNC’s charity basketball game. After that, R Angels disbanded.

Dorothy went on to perform with another short-lived music group, Scene 23. After completing school, she relocated to Los Angeles, trying to revive her career. Vonnie become a member of rock music band, Fountain of Tears.

Gina became a children’s music artist, releasing the album “Let’s Play Pretend” in 2011 and is the mother of three children. It’s unknown what Lian Sorhaindo is up to these days.

To see the music video for “I Need to Know,” go to:

Toni Basil

Toni Basil (born Antonia Christina Basilotta on September 22, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is not only a singer-songwriter, she is also an actress, dancer, choreographer & filmmaker.

As a choreographer, she has worked with David Bowie, the Talking Heads, Bette Midler and Tina Turner. As an actress, she has appeared in various films such as “Easy Rider” and “Greaser’s Palace.”

As a dancer, Toni had been professionally dancing since she was a child, but she began her adult career when she was an assistant choreographer & dancer on the ABC Network variety show “Shindig!” and later appeared in the 1964 concert film “The T.A.M.I. Show” (and was also the assistant choreographer).
In 1966, she made her music debut, singing the title song for a short film called “Breakaway.”

During the first season of “Saturday Night Live,” Toni was asked as a solo artist to sing the song “Wham Repop Boom Bam” which came as a result of her sold-out solo shows at the Roxy and even sang it on “The Merv Griffin Show.”

Toni was also a member of the street dance group, the Lockers and choreographed the 1973 film “American Graffiti.”

It wasn’t until the early ’80s that Toni’s music career began to take off. In 1982, she released the single “Mickey” (which was a cover version of U.K. Band Racey’s 1979 song “Kitty).

The song became Toni’s biggest hit to date, topping the charts in the United States, Canada and Australia, reaching international success. In the United States, the song also managed to peak at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.

The music video is well-known for Toni wearing her cheerleading uniform from high school and choreographed cheerleading dance routines. It received heavy airplay on MTV and is considered the first choreographed dance video.

In April of 1982, Toni released her debut album “Word of Mouth” which peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was nominated for both a Grammy and an MTV Video Music Award.

The follow-up single “Nobody” peaked at #52 on the U.K. Singles chart, but failed to chart anywhere else.

The third single “Time After Time”\”You Gotta Problem” didn’t appear to make any music charts at all.

The last single from the album “Shoppin’ from A to Z” was only released in the United States and managed to peak at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1983, Toni released her self-titled sophomore album which failed to chart at all.

The first single from the album “Over My Head” peaked at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.

The follow-up single “Street Beat” peaked at #63 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.

The third single “Suspense” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart.

The last single from the album “Do You Wanna Dance” flopped on the charts, failing to chart at all.

In 1999, DJ\music producer Jason Nevins released a dance remix of “Mickey” which managed to peak at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. It was also a club hit in Australia & Europe.

Even Toni hasn’t made an appearance on the music charts since 1999, she still continues to be active in the entertainment business.

To see the music video for “Mickey,” go to:

To see the music video for “Nobody,” go to:

To see the music video for “Shoppin’ from A to Z,” go to:

To see the music video for “Over My Head,” go to:

To see the music video for “Street Beat,” go to:

To see the music video for “Suspense,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Do You Wanna Dance,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Breakaway,” go to:

Houston

Houston (born Houston Summers on October 26, 1983 in Los Angeles, California) is an R&B singer from the 2000s.

Houston attended the Academy of Music at Hamilton High School and was invited regularly to participate in activities at the academy. His management team recorded a videotape of his performances, hoping that it would land Houston a record deal and he was later signed to Capitol Records.
In 2003, he released his debut single, “Right Thurr Part II” promotionally which didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts.In March of 2004, he released his next single, “I Like That” (featuring rappers Chingy, Nate Dogg and I-20) which peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song also peaked at #11 on the UK Singles chart, #6 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks, #3 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #9 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart and #70 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

Internationally, “I Like That” made the music charts in Australia, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and Scotland. It was also certified Gold in the United States and Australia, and was featured in a commercial for McDonald’s.
In August of 2004, Houston released his debut studio album, “It’s Already Written” which peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA.
The follow-up single, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong” peaked at #33 on the UK Singles chart and #70 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

On January 27, 2005 while on tour in London, Houston suffered from an emotional breakdown and reportedly attempted to commit suicide by jumping out of a window while under the influence of PCP. When the people in his entourage stopped him, he was restrained and locked inside of a first-floor room where he gouged his left eye out with a plastic fork.

After the incident, he was arrested by the London police and sent to a rehablitation facility. After spending two weeks in rehab, Houston returned to Los Angeles, California and apologized for the incident, attributing it to stress caused by the music industry, saying: “Everything was clobbering down on me. Everything was going a little bit too hard on me”.

After that, not much was heard from Houston until 2008 when he granted an exclusive interview with Hoodnews where he talked about his eye injury and his campaign called “Stop the Sodomy and Gang Rape in Prison.” During that same year, two of his unreleased songs, “Faded” and “So Fine” were leaked.

In June of 2009 (according to another interview with Hoodnews), he confirmed that he was making a comeback to the music scene and was looking for new management. In 2012, he was arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles, California.

These days (according to research), it appears as if Houston is retired from the music business; it’s unknown what he’s currently up to.

To see a video for “I Like That”, go to:

To see a video for “Ain’t Nothing Wrong”, go to:

To see a video for “Right Thurr Part II”, go to:

To see a video for “Faded”, go to:

To see a video for “So Fine”, go to:

[updated on 01\06\2022]

Blu Cantrell

Blu Cantrell (born Tiffany Cobb on March 16, 1976 in Providence, Rhode Island) is a female R&B singer from the 2000s. Her nickname comes from her family because of her obsession with the color blue as a child.

Growing up, her mother, Susi supported Blu and her five siblings by performing as a jazz singer and actress. During her childhood, she auditioned for the lead role in the musical, “Annie,” but she didn’t get the part.

After completing high school, she left for New York City and worked at various jobs in a bar, a department store and at a beauty salon. In 1995, she posed nude in photos for “Black Tail” magazine in order to support herself financially.

Blu was discovered by an employee from RedZone Entertainment while she was walking through the lobby of a hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late ’90s, she became a professional background singer for artists including Gerald Levert, Faith Evans, Aaron Hall and P. Diddy. She was also a member of the short-lived girl group, 8th Avenue.

She was later introduced to music producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart by both a dancer friend and R&B singer Usher. Tricky wanted Blu to become a member of his girl group, 321, but after a fruitful recording session, he offered to help her develop a solo career for her instead.

She moved in with Tricky and his girlfriend in their home in Atlanta, Georgia and was promptly placed with producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who offered her a contract with Arista Records after hearing one song that she wrote and sang in front of him and his staff.

Following a bidding war with several different record label, L.A. Reid’s bid was the highest which prompted Blu to sign a record deal with Arista Records.
In April of 2001, she released her debut single “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” which became her biggest hit to date, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 chart and Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart.

It also peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart (staying on the chart for 21 weeks), #26 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart, #5 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart, #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart and #15 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart.

The song earned Blu two Grammy Award nominations for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” and “Best R&B Song” as well as an American Music Award nomination for “Favorite New Soul\R&B Artist.”
On July 31, 2001, Blu released her debut studio album, “So Blu” which peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

A month after the album’s release, it was certified Gold by the RIA, having sold 601,000 copies. It also sold 50,000 copies in Canada and was certified Gold by the Canadian Recording Association.

The follow-up single from the album, “I’ll Find a Way” managed to peak at #25 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. The last single, “Till I’m Gone” didn’t make any impact on the charts at all.

In 2002, Blu was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Bad Company” with the track, “It’s Killing Me (In My Mind)”. During that same year, she had a small role in the film, “Drumline” and was featured on Lady May’s song, “Round Up.”
In November of that same year, she released the single, “Breathe” (featuring Sean Paul) which became a hit in the United Kingdom, topping the UK Singles chart for four weeks, making it the eighth biggest selling single of 2003. It was also certified Gold.

In the United States, the song peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100, #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 13 weeks), #7 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart, #36 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, #23 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #83 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks,

Internationally, “Breathe” was successful in Europe, Ireland, Romania, Scotland, the Netherlands, Croatia, Hungary, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy and Sweden.
On June 24, 2003, Blu released her sophomore album, “Bittersweet” which peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200, #20 on the UK Albums chart and #8 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The follow-up single, “Make Me Wanna Scream” (featuring Ian Lewis from reggae group Inner Circle) peaked at #24 on the UK Singles chart. It also made the music charts in Australia, Germany, Austria, Romania, Ireland, Switzerland and Scotland.
The last single from the album, “Sleep in the Middle” was released promotionally and managed to peak at #27 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. During that same year, Blu was offered a chance to pose in “Playboy” magazine, but she decided against it.
In 2004, she released a mixtape called “From L.A. to L.O.” on the Northstarr Entertainment label. It was originally intended to be Blu’s third studio album, but it was ultimately shelved and surfaced as a side project with limited copies released in the United Kingdom only.
On July 26, 2005, her greatest hits compliation album, “Hit ‘Em Up Style: Chart and Club Hits of Blu Cantrell” was released in the United States by the CMG record label to little promotion.

In 2007, Blu appeared in the musical, “Gossip, Lies and Secrets” and participated in the NBC network reality show, “Celebrity Circus”, but she was eliminated in the second week of the show.
In 2012, Blu released the single, “S.O.S. (Tell Me Where You At)” indpendently which was released to her Soundcloud account and was available on iTunes, but it appears to have been taken down for some unknown reason.

In 2013, it was revealed that Blu was working independently on her third studio album. In December of 2016, she said that she was still working on a new album. Since then, it doesn’t appear to have been released.

On September 3, 2014, she was taken into police custody due to exhibiting erratic behavior after she was seen running around the streets of Santa Monica, California around 2:00 in the morning, screaming that someone had “poisoned her with gas.” Blu was taken to a nearby hospital and was evaluated by medics.

These days (as of 2020), it appears as if Blu is still performing in Europe and Australia.

To see a video for “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)”, go to:

To see a video for “I’ll Find a Way”, go to:

To see a video for “Till I’m Gone”, go to:

To see a video for “It’s Killing Me (In My Mind)”, go to:

To see a video for “Breathe”, go to:

To see a video for “Make Me Wanna Scream”, go to:

To see a video for “Sleep in the Middle”, go to:

To see a video for “S.O.S. (Tell Me Where You At)”, go to:

[updated on 01/06/2022]

Richard Lugo

Richard Lugo (born in New York) was a male Latin pop singer from the 2000s. He was raised in Miami where he began singing in elementary school & was a member of a vocal group

When he was 13 years old, Richard was introduced to producer\songwriter Dallas Austin after performing in a talent show & was signed to Elektra Records. He recorded his first demo in 1999. In 2000, Richard was the opening act for BBMak and later O-Town.
In 2001, Richard released the single “Boom.” Even though the single didn’t make the charts, it was used by the New York Giants at the Super Bowl.
During that same year, he released his debut album “Boom.” It’s unknown how or if the album made the charts at all. He was also featured on SNZ’s single “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You.”

After that, it seems as if Richard Lugo has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what he is up to these days.

To see the music video for “Boom,” go to:

Lady May

Lady May (born Rhonda Robinson from Long Island, New York) is a female rapper from the 2000s.

When she was 15 years old, Lady May dropped out of school and became a hip-hop dancer, appearing in music videos for artists such as Jodeci & LL Cool J.

In the late 90s, she began rapping under the stage name “Mae West” which attracted the attention of rapper\producer Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie & was featured on his 2000 debut album “Tell ‘Em Why U Madd” on the track “Shysty Broads.” Her stage name was later changed to Lady May.

D-Dot introduced Lady May to Crazy Cat Productions and she was able to land a record deal with Arista Records in 2001. Lady May was featured on various artists’ songs such as G-Dip, Jene and Rob Jackson.
In June of 2002, Lady May released her debut single “Round Up” featuring singer Blu Cantrell. The song only charted at #93 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

The song only appeared on the non-U.S. pressings of Blu Cantrell’s 2003 album “Bittersweet.” During that same year, she was featured on Donell Jones’ song “Put Me Down.”
Lady May’s second single “The Dick & Dough” was planned to be released as the follow-up single from her upcoming debut album and a music video was shot for it, but due to the flop of “Round Up,” the single and music video were shelved.
Later on, Lady May’s debut album “May Day” was also shelved, but it was later leaked to the Internet on P2P websites. In 2003, she was featured on Willa Ford’s single “A Toast to Men” and on DJ Kayslay’s “Streetsweeper Vol. 1” album on the track “Seven Deadly Sins.”

Lady May later made appearances on songs by Lloyd Banks & Ees. In 2007, she was featured as a songwriter on Jennifer Lopez’s album “Brave” and was featured on Jay-Z’s song “Say Hello.”

These days, it’s unknown what Lady May is up to these days. It seems as if she has faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for “Round Up,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “The Dick & the Dough,” go to: