Barbara Weathers facts for kids

Barbara Weathers (born December 7, 1963) is an American R&B and soul singer. She was once the lead singer for the popular R&B group, Atlantic Starr.

Barbara Weathers' Early Music Journey

When Barbara was 13, she joined an R&B band called Covacus in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1981, she left Covacus. She then joined another band named "Teaser" from Charlotte, North Carolina.

After a year, she returned to Greensboro. Barbara started working as a singing waitress at a jazz club called "Yenrofs." There, she met two men from Philadelphia International Records. They offered her a solo music deal.

Barbara was friends with Wayne Lewis from Atlantic Starr. She called him for advice. Wayne connected her with Earl Cole, Atlantic Starr's manager. Earl helped her with the offer. He suggested Barbara not take that deal. Instead, he thought Wayne and his brother, Jonathan Lewis, should produce a demo for her.

In December 1984, Barbara recorded her demo. The Lewis brothers produced three songs: "Secret Lovers," "Silver Shadow," and "Big Boy Games."

Joining Atlantic Starr

In early January, Barbara got a call from Earl Cole. He told her that MCA Records did not want her demo. But, there was a job for her in Los Angeles.

Two days later, she flew to Los Angeles. Jonathan Lewis picked her up. He took her to a recording studio. Wayne Lewis was singing there. After he finished, they asked Barbara to sing a song called "If Your Heart Isn't In It."

The next day, Barbara learned that Atlantic Starr wanted her to join their group. She was very surprised. She did not know they were looking for a new lead female singer. At first, she thought about saying no. But she realized it would be a mistake to turn down an established group. So, she joined Atlantic Starr.

Success with Atlantic Starr

That same year, Barbara recorded the album As the Band Turns with Atlantic Starr. This album was released under A&M Records. Her songs "Secret Lovers" and "Silver Shadow" were added to it.

"Secret Lovers" became a huge hit. It reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit number 1 on the Adult Contemporary Songs chart. This was the band's first major Hot 100 hit.

The album had other popular songs too. "Freak-A-Ristic" went to number 6 on the Hot R&B Songs chart. "If Your Heart Isn't In It" reached number 4. "Silver Shadow" was another top song. Barbara was the only lead singer on "Silver Shadow." As the Band Turns later sold enough copies to be certified Gold in the US.

Barbara continued to help Atlantic Starr succeed. She sang on their next album, All In The Name Of Love, released in 1987. This album was even more popular. It featured the song "Always," which topped the Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts. All In The Name Of Love earned Platinum certification in the US. Another hit from this album was "One Lover at a Time." Barbara was also the main singer on this song.

Barbara Weathers' Solo Career

After the huge success of All In The Name Of Love, Barbara left Atlantic Starr. She decided to pursue a solo career.

In 1990, she released her first solo album, Barbara Weathers, with Reprise Records. This album reached number 18 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart. Critics praised her voice and the album's sound. One song from the album, "The Master Key," became a hit in the US. It climbed to number 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

Barbara also worked with other artists. In October 1990, she appeared on Big Daddy Kane's album Taste of Chocolate. In 1993, she sang "If I Go Away" on Paul Jackson Jr.'s album A River in the Desert.

In 1995, Barbara released her second solo album, Seeing for the Very First Time. This album was released only in Japan and became a big success there.

Later Career and Tours

Barbara Weathers has continued to perform and record music.

• In 1996, she toured with gospel artist Gary Valenciano.
• In 2003, she toured with jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and bassist Wayman Tisdale.
• In October 2011, she released her fifth studio album, Satisfaction Guaranteed.
• In 2015, she joined "The Time Of My Life" tour. This tour visited 15 cities in Europe.

Barbara Weathers still performs and records new music today.

Discography

Albums

With Atlantic Starr

• As the Band Turns (1985)
• All in the Name of Love (1987)

Solo

• Barbara Weathers (1990)
• Seeing For The Very First Time (Weberworks, 1995) released only in Japan
• Satisfaction Guaranteed (Weberworks, 2011)

Singles

With Atlantic Starr

• 1985: "Freak-A-Ristic"
• 1985: "Cool, Calm, Collected"
• 1985: "Silver Shadow"
• 1985: "Secret Lovers"
• 1986: "If Your Heart Isn't In It"
• 1986: "Armed and Dangerous"
• 1987: "Always"
• 1987: "One Lover at A Time"
• 1987: "All in the Name of Love"
• 1988: "Thankful"

Solo

• 1990: "The Master Key"
• 1990: "Our Love Will Last Forever"
• 1990: "My Only Love"

See also

In Spanish: Barbara Weathers para niños