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 of the R&B group Atlantic Starr.

Barbara Weathers' Early Music Journey

Barbara Weathers started her music career at a young age. When she was 13, she joined an R&B band called Covacus in Greensboro, North Carolina. Later, in 1981, she moved on to another band named "Teaser."

How Barbara Joined Atlantic Starr

After her time with Teaser, Barbara returned to Greensboro. She worked as a singing waitress at a jazz club. There, she was offered a solo record deal. Barbara asked Wayne Lewis, a member of Atlantic Starr, for advice. Wayne connected her with Earl Cole, Atlantic Starr's manager.

Earl Cole helped Barbara with the negotiations. He suggested she decline the solo offer. Instead, Wayne and his brothers, who were also in Atlantic Starr, produced a demo for her. This demo included songs like "Secret Lovers" and "Silver Shadow."

In early 1985, Barbara learned that MCA Records had passed on her demo. However, Earl Cole told her there was work for her in Los Angeles. She flew to L.A. and met the Atlantic Starr members. They asked her to sing a song called "If Your Heart Isn't In It." The next day, she was invited to join Atlantic Starr. Barbara was surprised but accepted the offer.

Rising to Fame with Atlantic Starr

Barbara Weathers quickly began recording with Atlantic Starr. Their album As the Band Turns was released in 1985. This album featured Barbara's voice on "Secret Lovers" and "Silver Shadow."

Big Hits with the Band

"Secret Lovers" became a huge hit for the band. It reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit number 1 on the Adult Contemporary Songs chart. The album As the Band Turns had several other popular songs. "Freak-A-Ristic" reached number 6 on the R&B chart. "If Your Heart Isn't In It" also did very well, reaching number 4. "Silver Shadow," with Barbara as the main singer, reached number 12. The album eventually sold enough copies to be certified Gold in the US.

Barbara continued to sing on Atlantic Starr's next album, All In The Name Of Love (1987). This album was even more successful. The song "Always" became a number one hit on the Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts. This album sold even more, earning a Platinum certification in the US. Another popular song from this album was "One Lover at a Time."

After these big successes, Barbara Weathers left Atlantic Starr.

Barbara's Solo Career and Beyond

In 1990, Barbara Weathers released her first solo album, titled Barbara Weathers. This album reached number 18 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart. Critics praised her voice and the album's catchy songs. One song from the album, "The Master Key," reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

Collaborations and Later Albums

Barbara also worked with other artists. She appeared on Big Daddy Kane's album Taste of Chocolate in 1990. She also sang on Paul Jackson Jr.'s 1993 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 very popular there.

Barbara continued to tour and perform. In 1996, she toured with gospel artist Gary Valenciano. In 2003, she toured with jazz musicians Kirk Whalum and Wayman Tisdale.

In October 2011, she released her fifth studio album, Satisfaction Guaranteed. In 2015, she joined a 15-city European tour called "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life."

Barbara Weathers still performs and records 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"
  • "Cool, Calm, Collected"
  • "Silver Shadow"
  • "Secret Lovers"
• 1986
  • "If Your Heart Isn't In It"
  • "Armed and Dangerous"
• 1987
  • "Always"
  • "One Lover at A Time"
  • "All in the Name of Love"
• 1988
  • "Thankful"

Solo

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

See also

In Spanish: Barbara Weathers para niños