Penny Ford
Penny Ford | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | Pennye Ford |
Born | June 11, 1964 |
Origin | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Genres | Dance, R&B |
Occupation(s) |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 1979–present |
Labels | Total Experience, Ariola Records, Columbia Records |
Associated acts | Snap!, Soul II Soul |
Penny Ford (also known as Pennye Ford, born June 11, 1964) is an American singer from Cincinnati, Ohio. Ford is the daughter of veteran record company executive and producer Gene Redd, Sr., and evangelist/pastor Carolyn Ford-Griffith (now deceased); she remains a Protestant today.[1] She is also the younger half-sister of singer Sharon Redd.
Career
Early career: 1984–1990
Following a stint as a GAP Band backing vocalist, Ford released an album entitled Pennye in 1984, and two singles from the album made the UK Singles Chart; "Change Your Wicked Ways", which reached No. 76, and "Dangerous", which reached No. 43.[2]
Career success: 1990–1999
Ford became friends with fellow vocalist Chaka Khan, while singing background vocals on "Our Day Will Come", a duet with Edwin Starr. She was also a lead singer with the German electronic dance band Snap!, on their 1990 number one hit, "The Power". Ford also sang the lead vocal on the Snap! songs "Ooops Up" and "Mary Had a Little Boy".
Second album release
In 1993, Ford released her second album, Penny Ford, and again achieved an additional UK Top 50 hit with her cover of the 1972 Aretha Franklin song, "Daydreaming", which reached No. 43.[2]
Judge Mathis appearance: 2003
In 2003, Ford appeared on an episode of the U.S. television program Judge Mathis suing a producer/boyfriend. One of her witnesses was Chaka Khan; though Khan did not appear, she spoke to the judge Mathis via telephone.
Later career and current work: 2006–present
In 2006, Ford returned as the original and official singer of the group SNAP! She also rejoined with SNAP! producers Michael Muenzing and Luca Anzilloti, and has been performing worldwide. She lives in Offenbach, Germany.[3]
Discography
Albums
- Pennye (Total Experience, 1984)
- Penny Ford (Columbia, 1993)
Singles
- "Dangerous" / "Change Your Wicked Ways" (Total Experience, 1984)
- "Uh, Oh, I Made A Mistake" (Total Experience, 1984)
- "Move Me No Mountain" (with Soul II Soul) (Virgin, 1992)
- "Daydreaming" (Columbia, 1993)
- "I'll Be There" (Columbia, 1993)
- "Love Enuff" (with Soul II Soul) (Virgin, 1995)