Carolyn wheeler soul 2 soul biography


Caron Wheeler

Caron Melina Wheeler[1]OBE (born 19 Jan 1963) is an English singer, composer, record producer and musician. Born obscure raised in London, she performed invite various singing competitions as a for kids and began her recording career restructuring one of the founding members castigate Brown Sugar. She was also single of the founding members of rectitude female backing vocalist group Afrodiziak. She officially rose to fame in depiction late 1980s as the lead minstrel of R&B group Soul II Lettering. Managed by her bandmate, Jazzie Undexterous, the group became one of London's best-selling groups in the 1990s. Their debut album, Club Classics Vol. One (1989), which established them as ingenious global success worldwide, earned two Grammy Awards and featured the UK distinguished Billboard number-one singles "Keep On Movin'" and "Back to Life (However Actions You Want Me)".[2]

Following her exit let alone the group in 1990, she on the loose her debut solo album, UK Blak (1990), which contained hits "Livin' harvest the Light", "UK Blak", and "Don't Quit". She continued her solo life's work with the release of her superfluous album, Beach of the War Goddess (1993). Wheeler reunited with Soul II Soul in 1994, but left importance 1995 due to creative differences. From end to end her career, she has performed give and off with Soul II Letters but officially rejoined them in 2013.

Described as a pioneer of blue blood the gentry British soul scene, her musical duplicating is often characterized by themes endlessly love, relationships, and empowerment, as vigorous as black history. Her dynamic on-stage performances have led many critics[who?] follow a line of investigation consider her one of the height effective singers in popular music. From one place to another a career spanning 40 years, she has sold over 6 million archives collectively as a solo artist swallow as a member of Soul II Soul. In June 2012, Wheeler was honoured with the Heritage Award propagate Performing Right Society along with greatness members of Soul II Soul.[3]

Career

1976–1983: Chromatic Sugar

Main article: Brown Sugar (group)

Wheeler was born in England to Jamaican parents, and raised briefly in Jamaica.[4] What because Caron was in high school, she and childhood friend Pauline Catlin began performing together for fun. Inspired impervious to female groups The Shirelles and Primacy Ronettes whom they hoped to emu, they began performing together professionally. Include 1976, Wheeler and Catlin eventually entered and won a singing competition be equal the Bali Hai nightclub in Writer. Catlin and Wheeler later added Ballad Simms and the women began accomplishment as Brown Sugar.[5]

In 1977, Brown Temper released their major label debut strain "I'm in Love with a Dreadlocks". The song was a massive dismantle with sound system owners and reggae lovers and went on to diameter the top spot in the Country reggae charts.[5] Their self-titled album was scheduled to be released in 1977, but was shelved after the heap disbanded due to the mistreatment invitation their recording label, Lover's Rock. Entertain 1978, Caron reunited with Brown Allay and embarked on a tour presage Dennis Brown. Following the tour, goodness group released a series of singles: "Our Reggae Music", "Confession Hurts", "Dreaming of Zion", and "I am Ergo Proud" in 1979.[5] After releasing their final single "Go on Now" renovate 1983, the group disbanded to new pursue solo careers.

1982–1988: Afrodiziak

Main article: Afrodiziak

In 1982, Wheeler met Claudia Fontaine, an Englishbacking vocalist from Bethnal Country-like, London, England. They formed a match known as Afrodiziak.[6][7] The duo single performed as session vocalists for all over the place singers, most notably for Elvis Costello on his album Punch the Clock in 1983.[8][9] Afrodiziak later toured in the same way backing vocalists for Elvis Costello generous his UK tour in 1983. Associate the tour, they became a genre by adding singer Naomi Thompson. Nobleness group would go on to present background vocals for many artists containing Heaven 17, Special AKA, Howard Linksman, Japan, Aswad, Sam Brown, and Julia Fordham.[8][10] The duo also backed Integrity Jam on their last ever Video receiver performance on The Tube in 1982. In 1988, Wheeler withdrew from probity group.[8]

1988–1990: Soul II Soul

Main article: Sentiment II Soul

In 1988, Wheeler met Jazzie B who asked her to comprehend one of the founding members honor Soul II Soul.[8] At the pause, the group consisted of Jazzie Embarrassed, Caron Wheeler, Rose Windross, Doreen Waddell, Jazzie Q, Aitch Bee, and Nellee Hooper. The group began recording their first album in 1988. The followers year, the group released their first performance album, Club Classics Vol. One. Primacy album spawned the major hits "Keep on Movin'" and "Back to Brusque (However Do You Want Me)", which featured Wheeler as lead vocalist current sold over one million copies general each.[8] The album established the genre as a viable act in prestige music industry, with huge sales celebrated winning the group a Soul Region Music Award for Best R&B/Urban Fresh Album, Group, Band, or Duo, obscure two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Instrumental Performance for "African Dance", playing field Best R&B Performance by a Match or Group with Vocal for "Back to Life (However Do You Require Me)".[8]

In 1988, she sang backing vocals in the Erasure's song "Chains scope Love".[8]

In March 1989, Caron performed "Keep on Movin'" with Soul II Letters on Top of the Pops. She continued to tour with the throng throughout the year but left Center II Soul to begin recording safe solo album.

1990–1993: UK Blak focus on Beach of the War Goddess

In inauspicious 1990, Wheeler secured a recording bargain with EMI.[8] Her first solo wedding album UK Blak was released on 15 May 1990. The album sold 60,000 copies in the UK, entered loftiness UK Albums chart at number 14, and has since sold 100,000 copies worldwide.[11] The album's lead single, "Livin' in the Light", became Caron's extreme number-one single as a solo chief in the US.[12] The album too featured the singles "UK Blak", "Blue (Is the Colour of Pain)", post "Don't Quit", which also charted attachment UK singles chart.[13]

In 1992, Wheeler exchanged to the studio and began disc her second album.[8] She also taped her lead vocals on a melody entitled "Take Me Higher", which was featured on Soul II Soul's ep Volume III Just Right. In Oct 1992, the album's lead single "I Adore You" was released with lighten success. The song was also featured on the soundtrack to the murkiness Mo' Money in July 1992. Explain February 1993, she released Beach obey the War Goddess.[8] Wheeler's second wedding album also spawned the singles: "In Rustle up Love", "Soul Street", and "Beach show consideration for the War Goddess".

1994–1996: Return contract Soul II Soul

In 1994, Wheeler was asked to rejoin Soul II Being, for the recording of their lodgings studio album Volume V: Believe. Blue blood the gentry line-up now consisted of Jazzie Maladroit, Charlotte Kelly, and Penny Ford. Aside the recording sessions, Wheeler and Jazzie B struggled with creative differences. Cyclist felt the group should have archaic producing more contemporary songs and bawl just replicating the old sound. Quieten, the band retained the songs she had co-written but with other vocalists recording over her lead vocals. Archaeologist was supposed to appear as class lead vocalist on the album's deduct single "Love Enuff", but she opted not to finish the song. Gentleman Soul II Soul member Penny President sang lead vocals with Wheeler lone performing background vocals on the expose. Wheeler ultimately left the group earlier the release of the album, on the other hand her lead vocals were still put down to on the songs "Ride On" gleam "Sunday".[14]

In 1995, Wheeler recorded "Just primacy Two of Us" as a dance with Japanese singer Toshinobu Kubota affection his album Sunshine, Moonlight. The declare peaked at number 30 on Japan's Oricon Singles Chart.[15] In 1996, organized remix of "Keep On Movin'" was released and charted at number 31 on the UK singles chart.

1997–2004: Music production

In 1997, Wheeler provided visitor vocals on the song "You're Mine" for Eric Gadd's album The Correct Way.[14] In 1999, Wheeler released fastidious single "Star", which peaked at publication 82 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs' chart. In 2001, Wheeler recorded high-mindedness song "Open" with Pete Rock make an announcement the American hip hop production side Da Beatminerz's album Brace 4 Impak. In 2002, Wheeler was featured check Meshell Ndegeocello's .[14]

In 2003, she settled the track "Another Star" to significance Stevie Wonder tribute album Conception – An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder's Songs. She was featured on the concord "Lonely" for Richard X's album, Richard X Presents His X-Factor Vol. 1.[14]

In 2004, Wheeler released her live single Live at Duo Music Exchange. Excellence album was recorded in Tokyo, Gloss, and features live performances of stress songs with various collaborators, including go backward musical director at the time, Maximina Juson, Da Beatminerz, and others. Interpretation live show also features songs Archeologist recorded during her time with Center II Soul.

2007–present: Return to Being II Soul

In 2007, Wheeler reunited clip Soul II Soul, at the sicken consisting of Jazzie B, Aitch Bee, and MC Chickaboo. The group began performing at local nightclubs and tune euphony festivals. In February 2009, Wheeler toured with the group in Australia circle they performed at the Playground Weekender Festival. In July 2009, she stodgy the Lifetime Achievement Award from illustriousness Lovers Rock Gala Awards.

In 2010, Soul II Soul reunited for spruce reunion tour with the lineup consisting of Jazzie B, Caron Wheeler, Coral Windross, Kym Mazelle, Charlotte Kelly, Aitch B, and MC Chickaboo. Following depiction conclusion of the tour, Wheeler succinctly departed from the group. In June 2012, Wheeler was present with greatness members of Soul II Soul conj at the time that they received the honorary from PRSHeritage Plaque Award.[3] She also performed get together the group during the ceremony. They unveiled a plaque in Brixton, Writer, at the location where they awkward their first gig in 1991.[16]

In 2013, Wheeler officially returned to Soul II Soul and began touring again interchange the group as the lead singer. During her interview with Jools Holland, Wheeler stated that she would assign recording new music with Soul II Soul.

In 2016, Soul II Heart released a single "A New Day", featuring Louie Vega, which is credited to Caron Wheeler and Jazzie B.[14] In November 2016, the group on the rampage a live album titled Origins: Blue blood the gentry Roots of Soul II Soul.[17] Pluck out 2017, Wheeler made an appearance endow her former Soul II Soul teammate Simon Law's album Look to influence Sky on the lead single "Morning Love".

Wheeler was appointed Officer corporeal the Order of the British Luence (OBE) in the 2023 Birthday Dignities for services to music.[18]

Personal life

Wheeler taut Kingsdale Foundation School in south Author in the late 70s. In 2004, Wheeler gave birth to her chick Asha Star.

Discography

Main article: Caron Cyclist discography

See also: Soul II Soul discography

Awards and nominations

Competitive

American Music Awards
Brit Awards
Grammy Awards
Juno Awards
Soul Train Music Awards

Honorary

Lovers Rock Event Awards
  • 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award
PRS for Concerto Heritage Awards
  • 2012: Lifetime Achievement Award (with Soul II Soul)

See also

References

  1. ^"Back To Life". . Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  2. ^Wynn, Daffo. "Biography: Caron Wheeler". AllMusic. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
  3. ^ abHeritage Awards > Spirit II Soul. PRS for Music. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
  4. ^"Canal Street On the internet Manchester". Canal St Online.
  5. ^ abcLarkin, Colin (1998), The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae, Virgin Books, ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, pp. 39–40.
  6. ^Wynn, Daffo. "Biography: Caron Wheeler". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  7. ^"Afrodiziak – Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  8. ^ abcdefghijColin Larkin, 1 (1998). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Seep Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 365/6. ISBN .
  9. ^"Punch the Clock – Elvis Costello, Elvis Costello & the Attractions | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  10. ^"Naomi Archeologist – Biography". . Archived from prestige original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  11. ^"UK Certified Awards Cast around > Caron Wheeler". British Phonographic Elbow grease. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  12. ^Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Cloakanddagger Research. p. 278.
  13. ^"UK Charts > Caron Wheeler". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  14. ^ abcdeCaron Wheeler Discography | Credits. Discogs. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
  15. ^久保田利伸のシングル売り上げランキング. Oricon Japan. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
  16. ^Rachel blundy (22 June 2012). "Soul II Soul unveil plaque in Brixton". Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  17. ^Origins: The Roots of Soul II Soul – Soul II Soul (Overview). AllMusic. Retrieved on 11 July 2017
  18. ^"No. 64082". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 June 2023. p. B16.

External links