Sparkle

Sparkle (born Stephanie Edwards on August 12, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois) is a female R&B singer and protégé of R&B singer, R. Kelly.
In 1998, Sparkle released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200, #2 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #39 on Billboard's Heatseekers albums chart.

The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on December 7, 2000. The album not only featured R. Kelly, but rappers Cam'ron and Nature as well.
Sparkle scored a hit with the song, "Be Careful" featuring R. Kelly which peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart, #3 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart and topped Billboard's Hot R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.

The second single "Time to Move On" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The last single from the album "Lovin' You" failed to chart at all. Despite the success of Sparkle's debut album, she and R. Kelly were having creative differences which lead to her being released from her record label, Interscope Records. She later signed to Motown Records.

In 2000, Sparkle released her sophomore album "Told You So" which peaked at #121 on the Billboard 200 and #31 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The album was considered a commercial disappointment and the only single to chart was "It's a Fact" which peaked only at #62 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The follow-up singles "Good Life" (featuring rapper Memphis Bleek) and "When A Woman's Heart is Broken" failed to make the charts at all.

In 2002, Sparkle's 14-year-old niece was shown on a videotape allegedly engaging in sexual acts. Sparkle testified against R. Kelly in 2008 during his criminal trial for charges of child pornography. R. Kelly was later found not guilty on all charges.

Sparkle has performed along side her good friend, singer Toni Braxton in her Las Vegas stage show, "Toni Braxton Revealed."

In August of 2012, she released her first music video in 12 years entitled "So Bad," but the song has not been released digitally. As of 2013, she is working on a new album.

To see Sparkle's official website, go to:
http://www.isparklei.com/

To follow Sparkle on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/@iSparklei

To see Sparkle's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/iSparklei

To see the music video for "Be Careful," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x86tostIKE

To see the music video for "Time To Move On," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZtmJ3Id140

To see a fan-made video for the remix of "Loving You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tjJMmD3rA4

To see the music video for "It's a Fact," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oIGQ7Yg44E

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

[updated on 08/02/13]

Lidell Townsell & M.T.F.

Lidell Townsell is a house\dance music artist from Chicago, Illinois. He released various singles on the Trax and DJ International record labels. M.T.F. (or More Than Friends) was a duo that consisted of singer Martell and emcee Silk-E (no relation to rapper Sylk-E. Fine).

In 1992, Lidell and M.T.F. released their debut album "Harmony" on Mercury\PolyGram Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The first single "Get With U" peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The second single "Nu Nu" became their biggest and only hit to date, peaking at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, #44 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles sales chart.

The last single "The Dugout" was released, but didn't appear to make the charts at all. After that it seemed as if Lidell Townsell and M.T.F. had faded into obscurity.

In 2005, New York-based hip-hop\electronica music group Fannypack covered "Nu Nu" under the title, "Nu Nu (Yeah Yeah)" which has been well known and mostly memorably heard in the movies "Stick It" and "Fired Up."

These days, Lidell Townsell continues to be active in house music, traveling all over the world. As for M.T.F, not much has been heard from them.

To see Lidell Townsell's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Lidellt

To see the music video for "Nu Nu," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp561lLvpBY

To see a fan-made video for "Get With U," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNzz8iBKQYI


[updated on 08/02/13]

Harriet

Harriet (born Harriet Roberts in 1966 in Sheffield, England) is a female dance\pop singer. Before going solo, she was in a few early bands in Sheffield.

In 1990, Harriet released her debut album "Woman to Man" on EastWest Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

Harriet's highest chart appearance to date was her first single "Temple of Love" which peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #14 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The title song was released a single, but failed to chart at all on the Billboard charts. In 1991, Harriet took part in the Italian Song Festival in San Remo with the English version of the song, "In Queosta Città" (or "All That We Are").

In 1999, Harriet co-wrote the song "Whatever You Need" for Tina Turner's 1999 album "Twenty Four Seven" which was moderately successful. Not much has been heard from Harriet since and it seems as if she's faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Temple of Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6sDZ5Gqr-E

To see the music video for "Woman to Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3yBuMMDJ0I


[updated on 08/02/13]

Merril Bainbridge

Merril Bainbridge (born on June 2, 1968 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) is a female pop singer from the '90s.

Merril began performing when she was 9 years old. Her first performance was at a carnival her sisters persuaded her into entering to win concert tickets. She managed to come in 3rd place.

After playing in various bands in Australia and doing backup vocal work in exchange for studio time, Merril started a solo career under the tutelege of music producer Siew. She used to work a day job before quitting to focus on music.

In 1994, Merril was signed to the newly-formed Gotham Records started by Ross Fraser and John Farnham. Ross had first heard Merril when he got a tape in the mail and was interested by the combination of guitar and voice. She was signed to the Universal Music record label in the U.S. in 1996.
Merril's first single "Mouth" was first released in November of 1994. Due to the annual shuffle of songs that were released around Christmas time, it disappeared quickly due to lack of airplay and interest.

It wasn't until the song was reissued in February of 1995 that the song became a hit, topping Australia's ARIA Singles Chart for 6 weeks, making Merril have the longest running #1 song by an Australian female singer in the 90's.

When the song was released in the U.S, in August of 1996, it managed to peak at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart, #23 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #2 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart.

The song became the most requested song on American radio for 3 weeks. The song was nominated for five awards at the 1995 ARIA Music Awards, but failed to win. "Mouth" was certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and in the U.S., the song was certified Gold, selling over 600,000 copies around the U.S.
Merril's debut album "The Garden" was released in July of 1995 in Australia and released in September 1996 in the U.S.  In Australia, the album peaked at #5 on the ARIA Albums chart and in the U.S, it peaked at #101 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

By the end of 1996, Merril toured 30 cities in the U.S. for 40 days. She presented an award at the Billboard Awards and performed at Madison Square Garden, supporting Sheryl Crow.
Merril's second single, "Under the Water" received moderate success in Australia and managed to peak at #4 on the ARIA Singles chart, spending 16 weeks in the Top 50 and was certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.

It also became the 24th highest-selling single in Australia in 1995, selling an estimate of 80,000 copies around Australia. It was nominated for an ARIA Award as the "Highest Selling Single" for 1996, but lost. But the song won a APRA Award for "Most Performed Australian Work" in 1996.

In the U.S., the song was released in February of 1997, but didn't match the success of her debut single. It managed to peak at a disappointing #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and it was Merril's last chart appearance in the U.S.
The third single from the album, "Power of One" peaked at #21 on the ARIA Singles chart, spending 7 weeks in the Top 50.

Merril's last single from the album, "Sleeping Dogs" received minor success, peaking at #55 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song featured the Bee Gee's song, "I Started a Joke" which was used in the bridge of the track.
While Merril was finishing up her international tour, she started writing songs for her second album. The first single "Lonely" managed to peak at #40 on the ARIA Singles chart. In the U.S., the song flopped, only managing to peak at #18 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. It also peaked at #25 on the Japan Singles chart.
The second single, a cover version of Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" featuring Jamaican rapper Shaggy. The song was featured in the Australian comedy film, "Welcome to Woop Woop." The song peaked at #62 on the ARIA Singles chart, making it Merril's last song to chart.
In October 1998, Merril released her sophomore album, "Between the Days" which peaked at #58 on the ARIA Albums chart. The third single, the title song failed to chart at all on the ARIA Singles chart. The last single, "Walk on Fire" also failed to chart too.

In 1999, Merril participated in John Farham's "I Can't Believe He's 50" tour with musicians Kate Ceberano, Ross Wilson, James Reyne, Human Nature, and Nana-Zhami.

During that same year, Merril recorded a song called "Sydney from a 747" which appeared on the soundtrack to the IMAX film, "Sydney: A Story of a City" and was also released as part of a music compliation album for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games called "Olympic Record" which is out of print.

In 2000, Merril recorded a song called "Friends" for the Australian film, "The Magic Pudding" which is featured on the movie soundtrack.

In 2003, Merril attempted a comeback with the song "Girl Next Door" and an untitled album, but the song failed to chart and the album ended up being shelved. These days, Merril has been working backstage as a composer for other Australian artists.

To see the music video for "Mouth," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YIIM1EVDqg

To see the music video for "Under the Water," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frb1pCIWdEA

To see a video of Merril performing "Power of One" live, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAzoqoU7wp4

To see a fan-made video for "Lonely," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kznne77n7e8

To see the music video for "Girl Next Door," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61BDHMdrZlU

To see the music video for "I Got You Babe," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9B45e_wUJs

To see a fan-made video for "Between the Days," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gJfY825Cwk

To see a fan-made video for "Walk on Fire," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hTXJZBxxYg


[updated on 08/15/13]

Ricca

Ricca was a '90s girl group that consisted of Natalie & Elisa Soltren and Teresa Rodriguez. Teresa attended Berklee College in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 1992, the trio released their first single "Such a Rush" which failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts.

In 1993, their follow-up single "Any Love" was failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts at all.

In 1994, Ricca released their only self-titled album which didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts.

After Ricca disbanded, Teresa toured with a New York-based Latin band called DLG. She also did background vocals for New Kids on the Block member Joe McIntyre which lead her to tour with him on his first U.S. solo tour as a lead background singer. She later became the voice of BabyBaby, a website that creates custom lullabies.

These days, Teresa (now Teresa Rodriguez) continues to perform with the band Pandemonium. After touring with DLG for two years, Elisa sang with a local band called Humano.

These days, it appears as if Elisa works as a leasing consultant at First Realty Management in the greater Boston Area. Natalie (now Natalie Soltren-Lunati) works at the Project Youth Counseling Team in Massachusetts.

To see the BabyBaby website that Teresa works for, go to:
http://www.babybaby.com/

To see the Facebook page for Teresa's band Pandemonium, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pandemonium/135152443194863

To see a fan-made video for "Any Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5nMokxJdwc

To see a fan-made video for "Such a Rush," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDf507_zZkM


[updated on 08/15/13]

Prime Time

Prime Time were an R&B group from Los Angeles, California that consisted of singer/guitarist Dale Hightower, keyboardist Jimmy Hamilton, bass player Maurice Hayes and drummer Frankie Moore. The group formed in 1972.

In 1984, Prime Time released their debut album "Flying High" on Total Experience Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

Their first single "Love Talk" peaked at #88 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

The follow-up single "I Owe It to Myself" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks, making it their highest appearance on the R&B charts.

In 1985, Prime Time released their sophomore album and last album to date "Confess It Baby." It's unknown how or if the album made the charts.

The singles released from the album "Give it To the Beat" and "Baby Don't Break My Back" didn't make the charts at all.

After that, it seemed as if Prime Time faded into obscurity. These days, Jimmy, Frankie and Dale are members of the Sai Whatt Band.

Maurice Hayes appeared on albums by Penny Ford, the Gap Band, Yarbrough & Peoples, Will King and Goodie. It is unknown what he is up to today.

To see the official website for the Sai Whatt Band, go to:
http://www.saiwhattband.com/

To see the Sai Whatt Band's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sai-Whatt-Band/65005190753      

To see a fan-made video for "I Owe It To Myself," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNJZdncIiE


[updated on 08/15/13]

Voyceboxing

Voyceboxing was a female R&B trio from the early '90s that consisted of members Tina Harris (from England), Candy Bell (from New York) and Jean McClain (born on March 8, 1953 from Indiana).

Tina moved from England to Los Angeles with her parents. When she was 19 years old, Tina stole phone numbers of people from the music industry from her hairdresser's phone book. She cold-called them and managed to gain interest from legendary drummer & producer Lenny White.

Lenny helped Tina with her demo and in 1985, she signed an EP deal with Shenachie Records. Tina released the EP "I Must Not Be Kinky." Even though it was hugely successful, it was somewhat of an underground hit.

Lenny liked Tina's speaking voice so much, he asked to record the lead vocal for Tech & The EFFX's song "Perfect Match" which was featured on the "School Daze" movie soundtrack in 1988. Lenny and Tina continued writing music together.

Since they had a good relationship, Tina and Lenny decided to form Voyceboxing with Lenny producing and they chose two session singers Candy and Jean to join Tina in the group.

In 1991, Voyceboxing released their self-titled debut album which didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard 200 chart.
They released their only single "Pain" which peaked at #54 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. After that, it seemed as if Voyceboxing faded into obscurity.

Jean (now Pepper MaShay) went on to have a moderately successful solo career in dance music. These days, Pepper is currently touring with House's Hugh Laurie as a member of his band "Hugh Laurie & the Copper Bottom Band" and recording songs for a working title called "Requiem for A Heavy Weight."

Tina continued to work as a songwriter. She moved to New York and later Europe where she became an in-demand international pop music songwriter, writing songs for artists such as Jamelia, Koda Kumi, Lemar, Sertab, Tarkan, Terri Nunn and French Pop Idol Christophe Willem. These days, it appears as if Tina is still active in the music business and also works as a copywriter.

Candy provided vocals on albums for artists such as Lisa Lisa and Lenny White in the mid-'90s, but it is unknown what she is up to today.

To see Pepper MaShay's official website, go to:
http://pridenation.com/pepper/

To see Tina's official website, go to:
http://www.tina-harris.com/

To see Tina Harris' SoundCloud page, go to:
https://soundcloud.com/tinaharrisment

To see the music video for "Pain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1lZoZkAdQs


[updated on 08/15/13]

Nona Gaye

Nona Gaye (born on September 4, 1974 in Washington, DC) is a female R&B singer\actress, the daughter of the late Marvin Gaye and the granddaughter of jazz musician Slim Gaillard.

When Nona was a baby, her dad brought her out on stage during a concert. When she was 8 years old, Nona formally introduced her dad on "Soul Train" during a tribute episode to him.
In 1992, a month after her 18th birthday, Nona released her debut album "Love for the Future" which peaked at #84 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
Nona's first single and biggest hit to date "I'm Overjoyed" peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, #19 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks and #36 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

The follow-up single, "The Things That We All Do For Love" peaked at #51 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

In 1993, Nona was named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People." In 1994, Nona signed to the Ford Modeling Agency and became the new face for Armani.

For three years, Nona dated and collaborated with Prince, recording at least four songs with him. The songs "1000 Hugs and Kisses" and a solo track entitled "Snowman" are unreleased, but they have made their way into circulation amongst fans.

They released the single "Love Sign" which was released on the compliation album "1-800 NEW FUNK." The song managed to peak at #32 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. A solo track "A Woman's Gotta Have It" was also featured on the album.

Nona provided backing vocals on "We March" for Prince's 1995 album "The Gold Experience" and on the title track to the "Girl 6" soundtrack in 1996. During that time, Nona admitted that she struggled with drug addiction which she was able to successfully kick. She also starred in a Prince-produced European television special called "The Beautiful Experience."

In 2001, Nona appeared with other musicians such as Destiny's Child, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Nas, Wyclef Jean, Backstreet Boys, Monica, Fred Durst, Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado and many more on a cover version of Nona's father's song "What's Going On" for AIDS research.

During that same year, Nona began her acting career, debuting in the movie "Ali" featuring Will Smith. She earned a "Black Reel Award" for "Best Supporting Actress" for her role in the film.

In 2003, Nona starred in the Matrix movies: "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" portraying the role as Zee. The role was originally given to Aaliyah, who tragically passed away in a plane crash after the filming began.

She received an Image Awards nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture" for her role in "The Matrix Revolutions." Nona also worked with R. Kelly on two singles, "Work It" and "Just Because" which haven't been released.

In July 2006, Nona was added to the cast of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" replacing Courtney B. Vance's character as the new ADA. Just as the show was beginning production on their 6th season, Nona left the show due to "creative differences."

She was later replaced by Theresa Randle, who also left the show after 2 episodes. In 2006, Nona received a "Black Reel Awards" nomination for "Best Actress" for her role in the movie "The Gospel."
In 2008, Nona released the EP "Language of Love" on AmieStreet.com. These days, it appears as if Nona is still acting, her most recent acting role in the 2009 movie "Blood and Bone."

To see the music video for "The Things That We All Do For Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FitpIHNmNtY

To see the music video for "I'm Overjoyed," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzR36Vu6z9E


[updated on 08/15/13]

Rumorz

Rumorz was a dance\pop group from the early '90s that consisted of members Latishea, China, Sici and Ellen.

In 1991, Rumorz released their only album "Satisfication Guaranteed" on Atlantic Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The only single released "Three Times You're Out," but once again, it's unknown how or if the single charted at all. After that, it seemed as if Rumorz had faded into obscurity,

According to a comment the "Isle of Deserted Pop Stars" blog received, Atlantic Records failed to promote the album and despite reaching popularity in Texas, the label wouldn't release anymore CD's. By January of 1992, Rumorz was dropped from Atlantic Records.

These days, all the members of Rumorz have gone on to separate lives now.

To see a fan-made video for "Three Times You're Out," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq8uAFtX9ZM


[updated on 08/03/13]

Joi

Joi was an R&B group from the early '90s that consisted of members Vonda (from Austin, Texas), Kristi (from Texas), Teresa (from LaMarque, Texas), Kimberly (from Crosby, Texas) and Khimberli (spelled differently, by the way; from Houston, Texas).

The girls met during auditions for the group in Houston.

In 1993, Joi released their debut album, "Joystick." It's unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.

Only one single, "Baby I Love You" was released, but it's unknown how or if the single charted at all on the Billboard charts.

The album also included a cover version of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman."

After that, it seemed as if Joi had faded into obscurity, but according a comment from the "Isle of Deserted Pop Stars" from Joi member, Kristi, she works as a school counselor, has sung background vocals for UGK (Pink Ring) and won second place in a Budweiser Superfest Singing Competition. She still sings every now and then.

Vonda works as a school principal and sings every now & then with her mother, who sings in a band all over Houston. Kim works as a beautician and Khimberly works as an adminstrative assistant.

(There are no videos available for this entry)


[updated on 05\05\12]

Lushus Daim Update

An anonymous comment left on the "Isle of Deserted Pop Stars" blog has an update about Lushus Daim & The Pretty Vain. Apparently, the Pretty Vain was Lushus Daim's band. These days, Lushus is doing well. She's married, living in Los Angeles with 3 kids. She still sings, but only for fun now. Her daughter also sings too.

Eria Fachin

Eria Fachin (born on April 20, 1960 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) was a female dance\pop singer from the '80s.

In 1987, Eria released her first single "Savin' Myself" which peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. It was successful in her native Canada and managed to peak at #91 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1988, Eria released her only album "My Name is Eria Fachin." It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The follow-up singles from the album "Eria's Aria\I Hear a Symphony" and "Your Love Just Came Too Late" were successful in Canada, but it's unknown how well it did in the United States.

After that, nothing much was heard from Eria and she had seemingly faded into obscurity. During that time, Eria was working on a new album, but she was diagnosed with cancer. Her follow-up album was never released because Eria lost her battle with cancer on September 5, 1996. She was only 36 years old.

Eria recorded the theme song for the Kiefer Sutherland movie "Woman Wanted" which wasn't released until 2000, four years after Eria's death.

To see a fan-made video for "Savin' Myself," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0uAf_cRcAI

To see the music video for "I Hear A Symphony," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoOLn8rqisY

To see a fan-made video for "Your Love Just Came Too Late," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npmUOawUWEY



[updated on 08/15/13]