Shanice
Encyclopedia
Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox (born May 14, 1973), better known as Shanice, is a Grammy-nominated American R&B/soul singer-songwriter
. She scored two Top 5 Billboard
hit single's "I Love Your Smile
" in 1991, and "Saving Forever for You
" in 1993. In 1999, Shanice scored another top hit song, "When I Close My Eyes" which peaked to number #11 on Billboard's Hot 100
chart. Shanice is known for her coloratura soprano
and ability to access the whistle register.
, Wilson relocated to Los Angeles
with her mother and aunt who were interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. At the age of eight, she starred in a KFC
commercial
with jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
. In 1984, she appeared as a regular on Kids Incorporated
, and performed on Star Search
. Shortly after her appearance on Star Search, she was signed to A&M Records
.
, at age 14. The album produced two top ten R&B hits, "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No 1/2 Steppin'". Wilson went on to sign a record deal with Motown Records
in 1991 and released Inner Child
, her first Motown effort later that year. The album included Wilson's hit single "I Love Your Smile
", which reached top ten in 22 countries, including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
and number two on the Billboard Hot 100
, and also reached. The album also featured a cover of Minnie Riperton
's 1974 hit "Lovin' You
". Wilson's rendition brought attention to her five octave vocal range.
After Inner Child, Wilson continued to record albums, including 21… Ways to Grow in 1994 with producer Rhett Lawrence
and L.A session musician and Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Dick Smith
. Also 1999's Shanice
. While she has not achieved significant commercial success with her later albums, she has contributed various tracks for films including Boomerang and The Meteor Man
. Wilson also found success with her top ten hit "Saving Forever For You", from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack. Shanice also recorded "If I Never Knew You", a duet with Jon Secada
, for the original soundtrack of Disney's Pocahontas
.
She also sings backup and does studio sessions and can be heard on Toni Braxton
's song "Come On Over Here" and "Un-Break My Heart
", as well as Usher
's "Bedtime". In 2010. she has also lend her vocals for song "Behind the Mask
" which can be found on Michael Jackson
's posthumous album Michael
.
In addition to singing, Wilson has also appeared on Broadway
. In 1997, she was the first African American to the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables
. She has also performed the English theme song for the video game The Bouncer
, called "Love is the Gift".
After a five year hiatus, Wilson released her fifth studio album Every Woman Dreams
, on her own label Imajah (named for her two children). The album peaked at #30 on the R&B Albums Chart.
in 2000, Wilson married actor Flex Alexander
. Together, they have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander (2002) and son Elijah Alexander(March 2004).
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
. She scored two Top 5 Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
hit single's "I Love Your Smile
I Love Your Smile
"I Love Your Smile" is a song recorded by R&B singer Shanice and released in 1991 as the first single from her album Inner Child. The song features saxophonist Branford Marsalis. It met success in many countries, including U.S., where it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the...
" in 1991, and "Saving Forever for You
Saving Forever for You
"Saving Forever for You" is a song performed by Shanice and written by Diane Warren. It was one of the singles released from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack. It became Shanice's second and final single to hit the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4. However, it does not appear on...
" in 1993. In 1999, Shanice scored another top hit song, "When I Close My Eyes" which peaked to number #11 on Billboard's Hot 100
Billboard
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
chart. Shanice is known for her coloratura soprano
Coloratura soprano
A coloratura soprano is a type of operatic soprano who specializes in music that is distinguished by agile runs and leaps. The term coloratura refers to the elaborate ornamentation of a melody, which is a typical component of the music written for this voice...
and ability to access the whistle register.
Early life
Born in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
, Wilson relocated to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
with her mother and aunt who were interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. At the age of eight, she starred in a KFC
KFC
KFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
commercial
Television advertisement
A television advertisement or television commercial, often just commercial, advert, ad, or ad-film – is a span of television programming produced and paid for by an organization that conveys a message, typically one intended to market a product...
with jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist...
. In 1984, she appeared as a regular on Kids Incorporated
Kids Incorporated
Kids Incorporated, is an American children's television program that was produced from 1984 to 1993. It was largely a youth-oriented program with musical performances as an integral part of each and every storyline....
, and performed on Star Search
Star Search
Star Search is a television show that was produced from 1983-95, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2003-04. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd...
. Shortly after her appearance on Star Search, she was signed to A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
.
Career
In 1987, Wilson released her debut album, DiscoveryDiscovery (Shanice album)
Discovery is the debut studio album by American R&B/pop singer Shanice Wilson, released October 21, 1987 by A&M Records. Shanice at the time was fourteen years old with a very mature singing voice. Singer Teena Marie originally produced the majority of the album, but A&M Records felt the songs were...
, at age 14. The album produced two top ten R&B hits, "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No 1/2 Steppin'". Wilson went on to sign a record deal with Motown Records
Motown Records
Motown is a record label originally founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on April 14, 1960. The name, a portmanteau of motor and town, is also a nickname for Detroit...
in 1991 and released Inner Child
Inner Child
Inner Child is the second studio album by American R&B singer Shanice Wilson, released November 19, 1991 on Motown Records. The album peaked at No. 13 on Billboards Top R&B Albums chart. The lead single I Love Your Smile peaked at #2 Pop and #1 R&B charts...
, her first Motown effort later that year. The album included Wilson's hit single "I Love Your Smile
I Love Your Smile
"I Love Your Smile" is a song recorded by R&B singer Shanice and released in 1991 as the first single from her album Inner Child. The song features saxophonist Branford Marsalis. It met success in many countries, including U.S., where it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the...
", which reached top ten in 22 countries, including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
and number two on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, and also reached. The album also featured a cover of Minnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton
Minnie Julia Riperton was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You". She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in the summer of 1979. They had two children - music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya...
's 1974 hit "Lovin' You
Lovin' You
-Film:*Loving You, an Elvis Presley movie and soundtrack album*Loving You , a melodramatic love story film produced and distributed by Regal Films-Music:...
". Wilson's rendition brought attention to her five octave vocal range.
After Inner Child, Wilson continued to record albums, including 21… Ways to Grow in 1994 with producer Rhett Lawrence
Rhett Lawrence
Rhett Lawrence is a record producer and songwriter. He is originally famous for producing the Grammy Award–winning, Billboard #1 Hot 100 and #1 R&B single "Vision of Love" for Mariah Carey. He produced and co-wrote the Kelly Clarkson pop rock hit "Miss Independent” which was #1 for 6 weeks at Top...
and L.A session musician and Earth Wind & Fire guitarist Dick Smith
Dick Smith (musician)
Dick Smith is a musician who has mostly worked as a guitarist and has played with* 98 Degrees Guitarist 1998* Air Supply Guitarist 1993* Donny Osmond* Dru Hill Guitarist 1998* Earth, Wind & Fire Lead guitarist 1987 - 1993* Emmanuel...
. Also 1999's Shanice
Shanice (album)
Shanice is the fourth studio album by American R&B singer Shanice, released March 3, 1999 on LaFace Records. The album peaked at No. 15 on Billboards Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 56 on Billboard 200. The lead single, "When I Close My Eyes" held the record for the biggest leap in 1-week on...
. While she has not achieved significant commercial success with her later albums, she has contributed various tracks for films including Boomerang and The Meteor Man
The Meteor Man (film)
The Meteor Man is a 1993 superhero film written, directed, and starring Robert Townsend, and featuring an ensemble cast. Townsend stars as a mild-mannered schoolteacher, who becomes a superhero after his neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is terrorized by street gangs.Although the film is set in...
. Wilson also found success with her top ten hit "Saving Forever For You", from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack. Shanice also recorded "If I Never Knew You", a duet with Jon Secada
Jon Secada
Jon Secada is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter. Secada was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Hialeah, Florida. He has won two Grammy Awards and sold 20 million albums since his English-language debut album in 1992. His music fuses funk, soul, pop and Latin percussion...
, for the original soundtrack of Disney's Pocahontas
Pocahontas (1995 film)
Pocahontas is the 33rd animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and was originally released to selected theaters on June 16, 1995 by Walt Disney Pictures...
.
She also sings backup and does studio sessions and can be heard on Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton
Toni Michelle Braxton is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. Braxton has won six Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards and has sold over 60 million records worldwide...
's song "Come On Over Here" and "Un-Break My Heart
Un-Break My Heart
"Un-Break My Heart" is a song by American recording artist Toni Braxton from her second studio album, Secrets . Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the ballad was released as the album's second single...
", as well as Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
's "Bedtime". In 2010. she has also lend her vocals for song "Behind the Mask
Behind the Mask (song)
"Behind the Mask" is a synthpop song by electronic music band Yellow Magic Orchestra, written by member Ryuichi Sakamoto and first produced in 1978 for a Seiko commercial. It was later released in 1979 as part of the band's Solid State Survivor album with English lyrics added by Chris Mosdell. The...
" which can be found on Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
's posthumous album Michael
Michael (album)
Michael is a posthumous album of previously unreleased tracks by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released from December 10, 2010 - January 14, 2011 by Epic Records and Sony Music Entertainment and features guest performances by Akon, 50 Cent, Lenny Kravitz and Dave Grohl...
.
In addition to singing, Wilson has also appeared on Broadway
The Broadway Theatre
The Broadway Theatre is a Broadway theatre located at 1681 Broadway in midtown-Manhattan....
. In 1997, she was the first African American to the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables
Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables , colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz , is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo....
. She has also performed the English theme song for the video game The Bouncer
The Bouncer
is a beat 'em up for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console. It was co-developed by Square and DreamFactory. The game features character designs by Tetsuya Nomura and music by Noriko Matsueda and Takahito Eguchi....
, called "Love is the Gift".
After a five year hiatus, Wilson released her fifth studio album Every Woman Dreams
Every Woman Dreams
Every Woman Dreams is the fifth studio album by American R&B artist Shanice, released February 21, 2006 on her independent label "Imajah/PlayTyme". It is her first release following her eight-year hiatus since her last album in 1999 on LaFace Records. The self-titled song was released as the lead...
, on her own label Imajah (named for her two children). The album peaked at #30 on the R&B Albums Chart.
Personal life
On Valentine's DayValentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
in 2000, Wilson married actor Flex Alexander
Flex Alexander
Mark Alexander Knox , better known as Flex Alexander or Flex, is an American actor, comedian and dancer.-Early life:Born in New York City in Harlem, Alexander is the son of Alethia Knox and Robert Whitehead....
. Together, they have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander (2002) and son Elijah Alexander(March 2004).
Albums
- 1987: DiscoveryDiscovery (Shanice album)Discovery is the debut studio album by American R&B/pop singer Shanice Wilson, released October 21, 1987 by A&M Records. Shanice at the time was fourteen years old with a very mature singing voice. Singer Teena Marie originally produced the majority of the album, but A&M Records felt the songs were...
- 1991: Inner ChildInner ChildInner Child is the second studio album by American R&B singer Shanice Wilson, released November 19, 1991 on Motown Records. The album peaked at No. 13 on Billboards Top R&B Albums chart. The lead single I Love Your Smile peaked at #2 Pop and #1 R&B charts...
- 1994: 21... Ways to Grow21... Ways to Grow21... Ways to Grow is the third studio album by American R&B singer Shanice, released in the United States on June 21, 1994 by Motown Records. It was released when she was 21 years old. The album was not as successful as 1991's Inner Child, eventually peaking #46 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums and...
- 1999: ShaniceShanice (album)Shanice is the fourth studio album by American R&B singer Shanice, released March 3, 1999 on LaFace Records. The album peaked at No. 15 on Billboards Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 56 on Billboard 200. The lead single, "When I Close My Eyes" held the record for the biggest leap in 1-week on...
- 1999: Ultimate CollectionUltimate Collection (Shanice album)Ultimate Collection features Shanice's songs from her first three albums. The collection was released in 1999. There is also a booklet with the biography of the singer...
- 2006: Every Woman DreamsEvery Woman DreamsEvery Woman Dreams is the fifth studio album by American R&B artist Shanice, released February 21, 2006 on her independent label "Imajah/PlayTyme". It is her first release following her eight-year hiatus since her last album in 1999 on LaFace Records. The self-titled song was released as the lead...
- 2011: TBA
U.S. singles
- 1987: "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" Can You Dance" was the first single from Shanice's debut album, Discovery.-Music video:The music video takes place in a city at night...
" - 1988: "This TimeThis Time (Kiara song)"This Time" is a duet song performed by Detroit R&B duo Kiara and singer Shanice Wilson. It became a #2 R&B hit, only missing the top position to New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain". A music video was filmed.-Track listing:12" single...
" (with KiaraKiaraKiara is a female given name and is pronounced . It may be a variant of the name Chiara, meaning "bright", or of the name Ciara.Kiara may refer to:People:...
) - 1991: "I Love Your SmileI Love Your Smile"I Love Your Smile" is a song recorded by R&B singer Shanice and released in 1991 as the first single from her album Inner Child. The song features saxophonist Branford Marsalis. It met success in many countries, including U.S., where it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the...
" - 1991: "I'm Cryin'I'm Cryin'"I'm Cryin" is a song by Shanice. It was the second single released from Inner Child. A music video was filmed.-Charts:...
" - 1992: "Silent PrayerSilent Prayer"Silent Prayer" is a song by Shanice featuring Johnny Gill. It was the third single released from Inner Child. It became another top 10 R&B hit.-Track listing:7" single'12" single...
" - 1992: "Saving Forever for YouSaving Forever for You"Saving Forever for You" is a song performed by Shanice and written by Diane Warren. It was one of the singles released from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack. It became Shanice's second and final single to hit the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4. However, it does not appear on...
" - 1993: "It's for YouIt's for You (Shanice song)"It's for You" is a song by Shanice and produced by Eric Kirkland and Michael Angelo Saulsberry of Portrait with drum programming by Maurice Thompson. It also features a rap verse from Brett Bouldin. It was one of the singles released from the soundtrack of the film The Meteor Man. It became...
" - 1994: "SomewhereSomewhere (Shanice song)"Somewhere" is a song by Shanice. It was the lead single to her third album 21... Ways to Grow.-Track listing:12" single"Somewhere" is a song by Shanice. It was the lead single to her third album 21... Ways to Grow.-Track listing:...
" - 1994: "Turn Down the LightsTurn Down the Lights"Turn Down the Lights" is a song by Shanice. It was the second single released from her third album 21... Ways to Grow. A music video was filmed.-Track listing:12" single...
" - 1994: "I WishI Wish (Shanice song)"I Wish" is a song by Shanice. It was the third single released from her third album 21... Ways to Grow. A music video was filmed.-Track listing:12" single...
" - 1994: "I LikeI Like (Shanice song)"I Like" is a song by Shanice. It was the third single released from her third album 21... Ways to Grow. A music video was filmed. The song samples "I'll Take You There" by The Staple Singers.-Track listing:12" single...
" - 1999: "When I Close Eyes"
- 1999: "YesterdayYesterday (Shanice song)"Yesterday" is a song by Shanice. It was the second single from Shanice's fourth studio album, Shanice.-Music video:A music video was filmed for the song but was not released. A rough draft of the video leaked in 2008.-Charts:...
"