Charlotte (singer)

Charlotte Kelly
Born Charlotte Kelly
Coventry, England, UK
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • record producer
Years active 1990–present
Children 2
Parent(s) Tony Kelly and Michelle Kelly

Musical career

Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • keyboards
  • guitar
Labels
  • Parlophone Rhythm
  • Big Life Records
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
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. 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.
  2. 1 2 Hoskins, Barney (19 August 1999). "The biggest secret of my success". The Independent.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Nielsen Business Media Inc. "Vol. 111, No. 6." Billboard. 06 Feb. 1995: 33. Print.
  4. Charlotte – Queen Of Hearts. Discogs. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
  5. "UK Charts > Soul II Soul". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  6. 2004 Winners Announced, 10th USA Songwriting Competition Begins. Idobi. Retrieved on 21 June 2016
  7. Tell the Sun (feat. Charlotte Kelly) - EP. iTunes. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
  8. Charlotte Kelly - All Coming Back. Youtube. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
  9. Charlotte Kelly - SONIC SEX. Youtube. Retrieved on June 24, 2016
  10. 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
  11. "Testimonials". The USA Songwriting Competition. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
  12. "Testimonials". The UK Songwriting Competition. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  13. "UK Songwriting Contest 2006 Results". Music Aid International Song Contest and Music Awards. Music Aid. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
  14. "11th Annual Winners". Unisong International Song Contest. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
  15. Cached page of 11th Annual Unisong International Song Contest Winners. Unisong 11th Annual. Retrieved on June 24, 2016

See also

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