Zhané

Zhané (pronounced Jah-Nay) was an R&B duo consisting of vocalists Jean Norris (born in Rhode Island) and Renee Neufville (born in Jamaica).

The girls met while studying music at Philadelphia's Temple University.

After meeting Naughty by Nature member Kay Gee, Zhané impressed the producer enough for them to go into the studio to record for the "Roll Wit tha Flava" album that featured artists including Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature, and Nikki D.
In 1993, Zhané's first single, "Hey Mr. DJ" was released a separate single and it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, # 2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40, and #3 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 29 weeks.

The success of the song earned the duo a record deal with Motown Records.

In 1994, Zhané released their debut album, "Pronounced Jah-Nay" which peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200 chart and #8 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The second single from the album, "Groove Thang" peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #4 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #33 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Zhané's third single, "Sending My Love" peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #26 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks.

The fourth single from the album, "Vibe" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #33 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single from the album, "You're Sorry Now" peaked at #38 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

Zhané's debut album was certified Platinum and the group received Billboard Music Awards and nominations.

They were nominated for "Top R&B Artists (Duo\Group)," "Top R&B Singles Artists (Duos\Groups)," and "Top Hot Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales Artist."

They did win the Billboard Music Award for "Top New R&B Artist" and for "Top Hot Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales Artist" for "Hey, Mr. DJ."

In 1995, Zhané released a cover single of Evelyn Champagne King's "Shame" on the "A Low Down Dirty Shame" movie soundtrack which peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks, and #46 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

In 1997, the duo released their sophomore album, "Saturday Night" which peaked at #41 on the Billboard 200 chart and #8 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Request Line" peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #19 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #9 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Saturday Night" peaked at #69 on Billboard's Hot R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for a week.

The last single from the album, "Crush" peaked at #106 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #24 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

Zhané appeared on singles by artists such as Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, and Naughty By Nature. By 1999, the group had faded into obscurity.

These days, Renee Neufville and Jean Norris (now Jean Baylor) are still active in the music business with their own solo careers.

To see Renee's official website, go to:

http://www.reneeneufville.net/

To see Renee's MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/reneemusic

To see Jean Baylor's official website, go to:
http://www.jeanbaylor.com/

To see Jean Baylor's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/jeanbaylor

To follow Jean Baylor on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/#!/jeanbaylor

To see the music video for "Hey Mr. DJ," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFAhwS-NeNo

To see the music video for "Groove Thang," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xq6h_zhane-groove-thang_music

To see the music video for "Sending My Love," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx3AD9VmN9k

To see the music video for "Vibe," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbYXXlg8HtY

To see the music video for "Shame," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZfBbcuVCYI

To see the music video for "You're Sorry Now," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgq8XPuNJrg

To see the music video for "Request Line," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w174E3pa9OM

To see the music video for "Crush," go to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUg0u1Ul25Y



[updated on 05\21\13]

Lorenzo

Lorenzo (born Lorenzo Smith on May 23, 1973 in Havana, Florida) was an R&B artist from the 90's. He was inspired by gospel music, Luther Vandross, Will Downing, and Freddie Jackson.

In 1990, 17-year-old Lorenzo released his debut album, "Let Me Show You" on Alpha International Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The first single from the album, the title song, peaked at #64 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Tik Tok" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1992, Lorenzo released his self-titled sophomore album which peaked at #17 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and #24 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Real Love" peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The second single from the album, "Make Love 2 Me" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The last single from the album, "I Can't Stand the Pain" peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

In 1995, Lorenzo released his third album, "Love on My Mind" on Lil Joe Records, which peaked at #41 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single from the album to chart was "If It's Alright With You" featuring Keith Sweat, which peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. Lorenzo contributed vocals to Luke Campbell's "Uncle Luke" album before fading into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Let Me Love You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFQhThUIKFo

To see a fan-made video for "Tick Tok," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Tr-kOdQVI

To see the music video for "Real Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WeVXCzbys

To see a fan-made video for "Make Love 2 Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_S0D4mMWWI

To see the music video for "I Can't Stand the Pain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b85PHti_Dk8

To see a fan-made video for "If It's Alright With You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAFzO-9DoGQ



[updated on 05\21\13]

Stacey Q.

Stacey Q (born Stacey Swain on November 30, 1958 in Fullerton, California) started her career as a dancer at a young age.

During the '60s, Stacey auditioned for singing roles in live operas and community theater plays. In 1969, she became the youngest member of the Dance Theater of Orange County at the age of 10.

After graduating from high school in 1976, Stacey joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performing as a showgirl and then an elephant rider.

In 1981, she and her future manager\longtime collaborator John St. James formed the synth-pop group, SSQ. After the group released one album, she started her solo career.

In 1985, Stacey released her first solo album on cassette on the On The Spot record label which had a limited release.

The only single released from the cassette, "Shy Girl" peaked at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. A year later, Stacey signed to Atlantic Records with Jon St. James as her manager and the members of SSQ as backup musicians.

In 1986, Stacey Q released her debut album, "Better Than Heaven" which peaked at #102 on the Billboard 200 chart and #46 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Two of Hearts" became a hit, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #56 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The second single, "We Connect" peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single from the album, "Insecurity" topped Billboard's  Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single from the album, "Music Out of Bounds" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The success of Stacey's debut album landed her a guest appearance as Cinnamon on "The Facts of Life" for two episodes. There were plans to have a spin-off series starring Stacey Q and George Clooney (who was on the "Facts of Life"), but those plans were canceled.
In 1989, Stacey Q released her second album, "Hard Machine" which peaked at #115 on the Billboard 200 chart. She dyed her hair from blonde to red and had a punk-style like wardrobe. The album didn't reach the same success as her debut.

The first single from the album, "Don't Make a Fool Of Yourself" peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100, #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

The song was featured on an episode of "Full House" where Stacey Q appeared as herself.

The follow-up single, "I Love You" peaked at #49 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, but missed the Hot 100. Another single "Favorite Things" was released, but didn't make the charts.
In 1989, Stacey Q released her third album, "Nights Like This" which didn't chart at all. Stacey once again changed her style by having short blonde hair and having a sort of underground appearance.
The only single to chart from the album was "Give You All My Love" which peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The follow-up single, "Heartbeat" didn't chart, but was a minor Adult Contemporary hit. After the release of her third album, Stacey Q. began another national tour, performing at clubs across the U.S.

She continued to act and even appeared in a episode of the television series, "Mama's Family." Due to the underperformance of her last two albums, Atlantic Records didn't renew Stacey's contract.
In 1992, Stacey released her greatest hits album and a year later, she recorded her newest single of the 90s, "Too Hot For Love" on Thump Records which was structured towards an early-90s dance sound and featured sexually suggestive lyrics.

In 1995, Stacey released another greatest hits album that received mixed reviews from fans and critics. During the 90s, Stacey traveled to Tibet and learned about Buddhism.

In 1997, she released her supposedly comeback album, "Boomerang." It wasn't exactly the comeback that fans hoped for, but it was received generally well by fans and critics.

One of the songs from the album, "Tenderness" peaked at #5 on the Jamaican music charts. She also became a background & lead vocalist on house music records in the US and Europe.

In 2007, Stacey released a compliation album entitled "Queen of the 80s" on Thump Records that consisted of a compliation of hits from the SSQ and "Better Than Heaven" era.
In 2010, Stacey Q released her latest album, "Color Me Cinnamon" and released the single, "Pandora's Box."

To see Stacey Q's official website, go to:

http://www.stacey-q.com/

To see the music video for "Two of Hearts," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfBdGT4dn4E

To see the music video for "We Connect," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRqJB3F5rhQ

To see a fan-made video for "Insecurity," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bkNTzqhLaY

To see a fan-made video for "Music Out of Bonds," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovBFU4YRVuY

To see a fan-made video for "Shy Girl," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJpLZi6vhQ8

To see the music video for "Don't Make a Fool Of Yourself," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IunwX6WbroY

To see the music video for "I Love You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEz6mYWGttw

To see the music video for "Give You All My Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_etoc5vepA

To see a video of Stacey Q. performing "Heartbeat" live, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFEM5qfAyLY

To see a fan-made video for "Too Hot For Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjshmSsoUUk

To see a fan-made video for "Pandora's Box," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTd9QYqxDI

[updated on 05/20/13]

Princess

Princess (born Desiree Heslop on November 27, 1961 in England) is a British female pop/dance singer from the '80s.

During the late '70s, she worked with music group Osibisa and worked as a background vocalist for singers Precious Wilson and Evelyn "Champagne" King.

In 1985, Princess released her debut single, "Say I'm Your Number One" which peaked at #7 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In the U.S., the song peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #20 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The second single, "After the Love Has Gone" peaked at #28 on the U.K. Singles chart. It also peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #41 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1986, Princess released her self-titled debut album on Supreme Records. The album peaked at #15 on the U.K. Albums chart.

Her third single from the album, "I'll Keep On Loving You" which peaked at #16 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The fourth single, "Tell Me Tomorrow" was moderately successful, peaking at #34 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "In the Heat of a Passionate Moment" peaked at #74 on the U.K. Singles chart and the remixed version peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

In 1987, Princess released her second album, "All For Love" on Polydor Records. The album was recorded in the United States. It's unknown how or if the album made the charts.

The first single from the album, "Red Hot" peaked at #58 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In the United States, the song peaked at #78 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks and the remixed version peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

The follow-up singles: "I Cannot Carry On" and "Jammin' With Your Love" did not appear to make the charts at all.

In 1989, Princess released the single, "Lover Don't Go" which didn't chart at all.

From 1991 to 2003, she resided in the United States before returning to England. She did volunteer work for UNICEF and also in Korea & Zimbabwe.

In 2005, Princess appeared on the UK television show, "Hit Me Baby One More Time" performing her hit song, "Say I'm Your Number One."

In 2010, she released her latest single, "One Way."

To see the music video for "Just Say I'm Your Number One," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXW2jHgE4LE

To see the music video for "After The Love Has Gone," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBTlyD1xHtI

To see the music video for "I'll Keep On Loving You," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9-AoPpjlA8

To see the music video for "Tell Me Tomorrow," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b_viL1g0Fg

To see a fan-made video for "Red Hot," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyf8XZmnaXw

To see a fan-made video for "I Cannot Carry On," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1xBVBTvVH0

To see a fan-made video for "Jammin' With Your Love," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edmzElp13xg

To see a fan-made video for "Lover Don't Go," go to;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i921MHznzkk

[updated on 05/20/13]

Nicole

Nicole was a freestyle\dance musician from the late 80's. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Sleeping Bag Records.

In 1989, she released her only single, "Happiness" which peaked at #42 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #41 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After that, nothing much was heard from Nicole and it seems as if she has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Happiness," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN0L1liqVKk


[updated on 09\07\12]

Dhar Braxton

Dhar Braxton (born in Manhattan, New York) is a female R&B singer from the 80's. She is the youngest daughter of late musician Byrdie Green. She started her career by singing on musician Chocolette's "E-Street" song.

In 1986, Dhar released her debut single, "Jump Back (Set Me Free)" on Sleeping Bag Records. The song topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #61 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #32 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1987, she released a second single, "Illusions" which didn't chart. After that, it seemed that she faded into obscurity.

These days, Dhar resides in Atlantic City, writing & collaborating with local artists, doing open mic & spoken word and caring for her children.

To see a fan-made video for "Jump Back (Set Me Free)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7gm3QUjMBg


[updated on 05/20/13]