Cherrelle (born Cheryl Week Norton on October 13, 1958 in Los Angeles, California) is a female R&B singer from the 80s and early 90s. Her cousin is R&B singer Pebbles.
When her family moved to Detroit, Michigan, Cherrelle met singerbassist Michael Henderson. Michael was recording his 1977 album 'In the Nighttime' at time and invited her to the studio. She would come to the recording studio at night when she finished her day job at a bank. Because of her constant tardiness, her boss would tell her, 'Cher-relle, you're late!'
Cherrelle - When You Look In My Eyes.
Cherrelle went on tour with Michael and the late Luther Vandross. She recorded a demo for Tabu Records which earned her a recording contract with the label. She worked with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on the album.
In 1984, Cherrelle released her debut album, 'Fragile' which peaked at #144 on the Billboard 200 and #27 on Billboard's Top R&BHip-Hop Albums chart.
2013 two CD collection. Cherrelle Norton was Tabu Records' female equivalent to that label's male superstar Alexander O'Neal, sharing producers in Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and also sharing big duet hits with Alex in 'Saturday Love' and 'Never Knew Love Like This' in the mid '80s. Cherrelle (born Cheryl Norton in Los Angeles, California in 1958) is a soul singer who rose to fame as one of the premier female R&B divas of the mid-to-late 1980s. Cousin of pop singer and TLC founder Perri 'Pebbles' Reid, Cherrelle began her music career shortly after being discovered by Tabu Records founder Clarence Avant, who signed her to.
View credits, reviews, tracks and shop for the 2005 CD release of Greatest Hits on Discogs. Label: Virgin - 7243 5 71285 2 0. Format: CD Compilation. Country: UK. Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul. Style: Synth-pop, Soul. Cherrelle: Greatest Hits. CHERRELLE Greatest Hits (Official 2005 US Virgin 13-track advance promotional CD-R acetate of the album including her duets with Alexander O'Neal 'Saturday Love' and 'Never Knew Love Like This Before'. Custom printed disc, custom 5½' x 5' double- sided card title/tracklising insert and 1-page press release).
Her first single, 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On' peaked at #79 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, and #8 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. The song was covered a year later by Robert Palmer and again in 2001 by Mariah Carey for her movie soundtrack, 'Glitter.'
The second single, 'Fragile....Handle with Care' peaked at #37 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. Cherrelle's debut album was certified Gold, selling over 400,000 copies in the United States. In 1985, she appeared on Alexander O'Neal's debut album on the track 'Innocent.'
In the same year, she released her second album, 'High Priority' which peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200 chart and #9 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. In the U.K., the album peaked at #17 on the UK Albums chart.
The first single from the album 'You Look Good to Me' peaked at #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.
The second single 'Saturday Love' featuring Alexander O'Neal, became a hit, peaking at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for 3 weeks, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. The song also peaked at #6 on the U.K. Singles chart and #7 on the Irish Singles chart. It was certified Gold in the U.S.
The third single from the album 'Artificial Heart' peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.
The last single from the album 'Will You Satisfy' reached moderate success in the U.K., peaking at #57 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't chart in the US.
In 1988, Cherrelle paired up with Alexander O'Neal on his 'Hearsay' album on the track, 'Never Knew Love Like This' which peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
In the same year, she released her third album, 'Affair' which peaked at #106 on the Billboard 200 chart and #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single, 'Everything I Miss at Home' featuring Alexander O'Neal, topped Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart for a week in December of 1988.
The second single, 'Affair' peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.
The last single released from the album, 'What More Can I Do For You' peaked at #58 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1991, Cherrelle released her fourth album, 'The Woman I Am' which peaked at #43 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The album became Cherrelle's last release on Tabu Records.
The first single, 'Never in My Life' peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The second single, 'Tears of Joy' peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The last single 'Still in Love With You' peaked at #86 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
After that, Cherrelle appeared on Pebbles and Alexander O'Neal's albums and in 1995, Tabu Records released 'The Best of Cherrelle' greatest hits album.
In 1999, Cherrelle made a comeback with her fifth album, 'The Right Time' which peaked at #55 on Billboard's Top R&BHip-Hop Albums chart.
She reunited with Alexander O'Neal on the song, 'Baby Come To Me' which had moderate success in the U.K., but not a lot in the U.S.
In 2005, her second greatest hits album was released, but it's unknown how or if made the charts. These days, Cherrelle continues to perform and is currently completing her newest album '50 and Fine' which has yet to be released.
To see the music video for 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BV1Ft4BQ1o
To see the music video for 'You Look Good to Me,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx_KLkUcMgI
To see the music video for 'Affair,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5mT2LOjoXs
To see the music video for 'Everything I Miss At Home,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaXRDZQOGi4
To see the music video for 'Artificial Heart,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkSWCM5pjn8
Where Is Cherelle Now
To see the music video for 'Never Knew Love Like This,' go to:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1_eaDugtFk
To see the music video for 'Never In My Life,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thI6RA-qZo0Singer Cherrelle
To see the music video for 'Tears of Joy,' go to:Best Of Cherrelle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZxvuCqXJ2I
Cherrelle Greatest Hits Album Cover
To see a video of Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal performing 'Saturday Love' on 'Soul Train,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3oDPUDymwE
Alexander O'neal And Cherrelle Greatest Hits
To see the music video for 'Innocent,' go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe2SvZ5RfCk
[Updated on 040312]
| Birth name | Cheryl Ann Norton |
|---|---|
| Born | October 13, 1958 (age 62)[1] Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts |
Cheryl Anne Norton (born October 13, 1958),[1] better known by her stage nameCherrelle, is an American R&B singer and songwriter who gained fame in the mid-1980s. Her signature hits include 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On', 'Where Do I Run To', 'Everything I Miss at Home', and duets with R&B singer Alexander O'Neal such as 'Saturday Love'[2] and 'Never Knew Love Like This, as well as 'Always' with her cousin Pebbles.[3]
Biography[edit]
Cherrelle began her career working with jazz/R&B artists Norman Connors and Michael Henderson, as well as touring with Luther Vandross. After Tabu Records founder Clarence Avant heard her demo, he signed her to Tabu Records in 1983. Cherrelle decided on her stage name after a boss from a previous job hollered 'Cher-relle, you're late again!'[1]
In 1984, under the production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Cherrelle released her debut album, Fragile. It featured her first R&B top ten single, 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On'. That song (with a music video homage to the film King Kong, featuring Cherrelle as the beast's love interest) was covered about a year later by pop singer Robert Palmer on his 1985 album Riptide. It was also covered by Mariah Carey for her 2001 soundtrack album Glitter using the same instrumental track.
Cherrelle's follow-up album, High Priority, was certified gold and produced the Top 40 hit and the #2 R&B hit 'Saturday Love'; a duet with Alexander O'Neal, it would also land in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 6.[4] Cherrelle and O'Neal would have another Top 40 single with 'Never Knew Love Like This', which peaked at #28 US pop in 1988, and #2 R&B. A remixed version of 'Saturday Love' on Tabu Records reached #55 in the UK Singles Chart in early 1990.[4] Her third album, 1988's Affair, included the Number 1 R&B single, 'Everything I Miss at Home'. The album's title track became another R&B hit, peaking at number 4 on the R&B charts.
Family members of this legendary pop star include several known names in the music world. Cherrelle's cousin is pop singer Perri 'Pebbles' Reid; and she is the aunt of Brandi of the girl group Blaque. Cherrelle is also a 1st cousin of Musica Monica Feaster, Music Producer/Gospel Artist. In addition to Cherrelle's musical background, she and Johnny Gill were featured on Pebbles' 1991 single 'Always', which made the R&B Top 20. That same year, Cherrelle released the album The Woman I Am, a first-time departure from using Jam and Lewis productions. The singer linked with producer Narada Michael Walden (known for working with Whitney Houston). Cherrelle reunited with the producers eight years later with her independent album The Right Time, released in 1999, and featuring a guest appearance from rapper Keith Murray.
Voice and musical ability[edit]
Cherrelle has a light-lyric sopranovocal range. Her voice has been called a 'light, wispy and occasionally whiny soprano' which influenced the urban contemporary music markets by Ron Wynn of AllMusic.[5] Cherrelle's 'light and airy soprano' were considered the inspiration as to why Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wanted to produce her and showcase her gift to the world.[6] Other critics gave her praise for being able to convey emotions.[7]
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Record label | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [8] | US R&B [8] | GER [9] | NZ [10] | UK [4] | ||||||||||
| 1984 | Fragile | 144 | 27 | — | — | — | Tabu | |||||||
| 1985 | High Priority | 36 | 9 | 65 | 32 | 17 | ||||||||
| 1988 | Affair | 106 | 15 | — | — | — | ||||||||
| 1991 | The Woman I Am | — | 43 | — | — | — | ||||||||
| 1999 | The Right Time | — | 55 | — | — | — | Power | |||||||
| '—' denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
Compilation albums[edit]
- The Best of Cherrelle (1995, Tabu)
- Greatest Hits (2005, Tabu)
- Icon (2011, Tabu)
Singles[edit]
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [8] | US R&B [8] | US Dan [8] | BEL [11] | GER [9] | IRE [12] | NLD [13] | NZ [10] | UK [4] | ||||||
| 1984 | 'I Didn't Mean to Turn You On' | 79 | 8 | 6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | Fragile | |||
| 'Fragile… Handle with Care' | — | 37 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| 'Like I Will (Tokyo Mix)' | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| 1985 | 'You Look Good to Me' | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | High Priority | |||
| 'Saturday Love' (with Alexander O'Neal) | 26 | 2 | 13 | — | — | 7 | — | 4 | 6 | |||||
| 1986 | 'Will You Satisfy?' | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 57 | ||||
| 'Artificial Heart' (A-Side) | — | 18 | 5 | — | — | — | — | 41 | — | |||||
| 'Oh No It's U Again' (B-Side) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||
| 1988 | 'Never Knew Love Like This' (with Alexander O'Neal) | 28 | 2 | — | 24 | 49 | — | 24 | — | 26 | Hearsay by Alexander O'Neal | |||
| 'Everything I Miss at Home' | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 83 | Affair | ||||
| 1989 | 'Affair' | — | 4 | 15 | — | — | — | — | — | 67 | ||||
| 'What More Can I Do for You' | — | 58 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| 1990 | 'Saturday Love (Feelin' Luv Mix)' (with Alexander O'Neal) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 55 | Non-album single | |||
| 1991 | 'Never in My Life' | — | 40 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | The Woman I Am | |||
| 1992 | 'Tears of Joy' | — | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 'Still in Love with You' | — | 86 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| 1997 | 'Baby, Come to Me' (with Alexander O'Neal) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 56 | The Right Time | |||
| 1999 | 'The Right Time' | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| 'Just Tell Me' | — | 122 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| '—' denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
References[edit]
- ^ abcAndy Kellman. 'Cherrelle | Biography'. AllMusic. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^'Vibe'. Time Publishing Ventures, Incorporated. January 31, 2007 – via Google Books.
- ^'Cherrelle Page'. Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
- ^ abcd'UK Charts > Cherrelle'. Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^Ron Wynn. 'High Priority – Cherrelle | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards'. AllMusic. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^'Review: Tabu Wave 2 – Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle, Kathy Mathis and The S.O.S. Band'. The Second Disc. May 30, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^'Best of Cherrelle CD Album'. Cduniverse.com. October 17, 1995. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
- ^ abcde'US Charts > Cherrelle'. Billboard. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^ ab'GER Charts > Cherrelle'. Media Control Charts. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^ ab'NZ Charts > Cherrelle'. Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^'BEL Charts > Cherrelle'. VRT Top 30. Archived from the original on April 9, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^'IRE Charts Search > Cherrelle'. Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
- ^'NLD Charts > Cherrelle'. MegaCharts. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
External links[edit]
- Cherrelle at AllMusic
- Cherrelle discography at Discogs