Charlotte (singer)
| Charlotte Kelly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Charlotte Kelly Coventry, England, UK |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1990–present |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Tony Kelly and Michelle Kelly |
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Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
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| Labels |
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| Associated acts | |
Charlotte Kelly is a British R&B and dance singer and songwriter.
Early life
Charlotte Kelly was born in Coventry, England, to Michelle Kelly and Tony Kelly.[1] Her parents were the former owners of a record store named "Moonshine" in Lower Ford Street, Hillfields, Coventry.[1] She also has a two sisters and a brother. Kelly was born blind at birth with no sight at all in her left eye and virtually none in her right eye.[1][2] At a young age, Kelly knew she wanted become a singer after listening to the music being played in her parents' record store.[1]
Career
1992-93: Beginnings
Kelly started her career as a singer at the age of sixteen when she signed her first record contract with Big Life Records.[1] In 1993, Kelly released her first single titled "Sugar Tree". The music video debuted on ITV Chart Show in October 1993. In 1994, she released two singles titled "Climb My Stairs" and "All of My Love". Later that year, she was introduced to Jazzie B (of Soul II Soul) who would produce her next single titled "Queen of Hearts".[3] The song featured background vocals from Lamya (of Soul II Soul).[4]
1994–97: Soul II Soul and career breakthrough
After releasing this demo, Kelly toured as a background singer for Soul II Soul. She was later asked to become a full time member and one of the lead vocalist of the group.[3] In August 1995, Soul II Soul released their fourth studio album, entitled "Volume V: Believe". The album charted at number 13 on the UK Albums chart. The album's second single "I Care", which features lead vocals by Kelly, peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles chart.[5] Kelly also sings lead vocals on songs "Don't You Dream" and "Pride".[3]
In 1997, Soul II Soul released their fifth studio album, entitled "Time for Change". Kelly performed lead vocals on the titled-track "Time for Change". Later that year, Kelly left Soul II Soul pursue her solo career.[3] She signed a new recording contract with Parlophone Rhythm Series.[3]
1998-2000: Skin
In February 1998, Kelly released the single "Be Mine". The single charted at number 59 on the UK Singles chart. In May 1999, The album's first single "Skin" debuted at number 1 on Billboard's Hot Dance chart and number 56 on the UK Singles chart.[2] In September 1999, Kelly released her self-titled album "Charlotte". The second single "Someday" peaked at number 74 on the UK Singles chart. The album's final single "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" was released and peaked at number 11 on Billboard's Dance chart.
2002-2010: Songwriting competitions and music production
In 2002, Kelly released a song "Golden Gate (Lovin' You)", which was featured on the WMC Allstars compilation album. In 2004, Kelly participated in the USA Songwriting Competition. She entered up to four songs and won first prize in the R&B category for her song "Cheeky".[6] In 2006, she participated in UK Songwriting Competition and won first prize in R&B category. She also entered in the Pop category where she received second place. In the same year, Kelly also entered in the Music Aid Awards where she received first place in two categories: "Best UK Female Artist" and "Best UK Songwriter".
In 2010 Charlotte co-wrote the topline to UK number 1 single "Good Times", performed by Roll Deep. This earned Charlotte her first UK number 1.
2010-2013: Return to Soul II Soul
In 2010, the former members of Soul II Soul reunited for a reunion tour. Following the reunion tour, Kelly rejoined the group as the lead vocalist. The group performed the annual Rewind Festival in 2012. In June 2012, the members of Soul II Soul received the honorary PRS Heritage Plaque award. In November 2013, Kelly left the group again to focus on her solo career.
2013-present: Solo career
In 2013, Kelly released a single titled "Somebody's Baby". In 2014, Kelly released three singles: "Tell the Sun", "All Coming Back", and "Sonic Sex".[7][8][9]
Personal life
She has a daughter named Iman. In 2013, Kelly married music producer Benjamin Bennett. In November 2015, the couple separated after Bennett attacked Kelly in a domestic dispute.[10]
Discography
- Albums
- Charlotte (1999)
- Singles
| Title | Year | Chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | US Dance | |||
| "Sugar Tree" | 1993 | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Climb My Stairs" | 1994 | — | — | |
| "All of Your Love" | — | — | ||
| "Queen of Hearts" | 54 | — | ||
| "It's Alright" | — | — | ||
| "I Care" (with Soul II Soul) | 1995 | 17 | — | Volume V: Believe |
| "Be Mine" | 1998 | 59 | — | Non-album single |
| "Skin" | 1999 | 56 | 1 | Charlotte |
| "Someday" | 74 | 21 | ||
| "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" | 2000 | — | 11 | |
| "Breaking Me Apart" | 2012 | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Somebody's Baby" | 2013 | — | — | Charlotte |
| "Tell the Sun" (featuring Sunship) | 2014 | — | — | Non-album single |
| "All Coming Back" | — | — | ||
| "Sonic Sex" | — | — | ||
| "Love Shines" (Richard Wessex featuring Charlotte Kelly) | 2016 | — | — | |
Awards and nominations
USA Songwriting Competition
| Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result[11] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "Cheeky" | Best R&B Song | Won |
| "Symphony" | Nominated | ||
| "Raining in Heaven" | Nominated | ||
| "Spook" | Nominated | ||
| 2005 | "I Need You That Way" | Nominated | |
| "Come On" | Nominated |
UK Songwriting Competition
| Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result[12] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "I Need You That Way" | Best R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap Song | Won |
| "Come On" | Nominated | ||
| "Raining in Heaven" | Best Pop Song | Nominated | |
| "Better With You" | Nominated |
United Nations Music Aid Awards
| Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result[13] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Charlotte Kelly | Best UK Female Artist | Won |
| Best UK Songwriter | Won | ||
| 2009 | Best Female Solo Artist | Won |
Unisong International Song Contest
| Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result[14][15] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "I Need You That Way" | Best R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap Song | Won |
| "Symphony" | Nominated |
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Lissaman, Vicky (16 May 1999). "Blind chart-topper Charlotte has the last laugh over cruel schoolchildren". Sunday Mercury. Birmingham. Retrieved 21 June 2016. Archived at The Free Library.
- 1 2 Hoskins, Barney (19 August 1999). "The biggest secret of my success". The Independent.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Nielsen Business Media Inc. "Vol. 111, No. 6." Billboard. 06 Feb. 1995: 33. Print.
- ↑ Charlotte – Queen Of Hearts. Discogs. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
- ↑ "UK Charts > Soul II Soul". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
- ↑ 2004 Winners Announced, 10th USA Songwriting Competition Begins. Idobi. Retrieved on 21 June 2016
- ↑ Tell the Sun (feat. Charlotte Kelly) - EP. iTunes. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
- ↑ Charlotte Kelly - All Coming Back. Youtube. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
- ↑ Charlotte Kelly - SONIC SEX. Youtube. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
- ↑ Music producer who punched blind former Soul II Soul singer so hard he broke two of her teeth and told her 'I'm coming for you' after their relationship broke down avoids jail. Daily Mail UK. Retrieved on 21 June 2016
- ↑ "Testimonials". The USA Songwriting Competition. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
- ↑ "Testimonials". The UK Songwriting Competition. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
- ↑ "UK Songwriting Contest 2006 Results". Music Aid International Song Contest and Music Awards. Music Aid. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
- ↑ "11th Annual Winners". Unisong International Song Contest. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
- ↑ Cached page of 11th Annual Unisong International Song Contest Winners. Unisong 11th Annual. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
See also
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart