Saturday, April 4, 2009

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]
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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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[updated on 05/20/13]
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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]
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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]
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Friday, April 3, 2009

Judy Torres (aka "The Queen of Freestyle")

Judy Torres (born in the Bronx, New York) is a female freestyle\dance music singer.

At 17 years old, Judy was discovered in a nightclub called Sidestreet where she competed in a "gong show." One of the judges, George Vascones almost "gonged her" for being too humorous, but later approached her & became her first manager.

George introduced Judy to his friend & music producer, Mickey Garcia, who helped her out with her first single.
Judy's first single, "No Reason to Cry" peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in June of 1987 and #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After a year of promotion, Profile Records signed her to their record label and subsequently released her second single.
The second single, "Come Into My Arms" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in January of 1988 and #41 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. During that same year, Judy released a holiday single called "Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year."
In 1989, Judy released her debut album, "Love Story" on Profile Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever made the charts.
The title song managed to peak at #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in July of 1989.   
The last single from the album, "Love You Will You Love Me" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In 1992, Judy released her sophomore album, "My Soul" which also didn't appear to make the Billboard charts. Despite the low chart performance, the album received good reviews from fans and critics.
The singles "Every Little Lie" and "I Love You For All Seasons" were released, but didn't make the charts at all.
In 1996, a remixed version of "No Reason to Cry" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.
In 1998, Judy released the single, "Back Into Your Arms Again" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In 2004, she released the single, "The Air I Breathe" featuring freestyle singer, Collage on the Robbins Entertainment record label. The song peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
A year later in 2005, Judy released her cover version of Journey's song, "Faithfully" which peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The song became one of the most requested songs on the WKTU radio station.

During that same year, Judy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. An episode of M.S. caused an inflammation of her optic nerve which left her temporarily blind for nearly 3 months. Since then, she has been healthy and active with her condition under control.
In August of 2007, Judy released a cover version of country singer Danielle Peck's song, "I Don't," going back to her freestyle music roots.

In 2008, Judy released the single, "Hell No" which managed to peak at #43 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in 2009.
In 2010, she released a cover version of country band, Sugarland's song, "Stay."
These days, Judy continues to sing & perform live. In 2014, she released the single "Beautiful Life" which is available on iTunes.

To see Judy's official website, go to:
http://www.judytorres.com/2010/

To see Judy's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/judytorresmusic

To follow Judy on Twitter, go to:
http://www.twitter.com/judytorresmusic

To see a fan-made video for "No Reason to Cry," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egLdWLt2vwk

To see a fan-made video for "Come Into My Arms," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdPI1sJdG68

To see a fan-made video for "Love Story," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nkxG96Bguw

To see a fan-made video for "Love You Will You Love Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8qEJpcdN3U

To see a fan-made video for "I Love You For All Seasons," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsGz7nodFTs

To see a fan-made video for "Every Little Lie," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP8Sf9n5iPA

To see a fan-made video for "Back In Your Arms Again," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7IB2l8BR48

To see a fan-made video for "The Air That I Breathe," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9L92SVsUDQ

To see a fan-made video for "Faithfully," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yivihcJv9KI

To see a fan-made video for "I Don't," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgvdzP1xikE

To see the music video for "Hell No," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7M_tq_40F8

To see the music video for "Stay," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylyO53p8gXE


[updated on 06\10\14]
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