Carrie Lucas facts for kids

Carrie Lucas is an American R&B singer. She was born in Carmel, California, on October 1, 1945. In 1976, she joined Soul Train Records. Over seven years, Carrie Lucas released six studio albums. These albums were with Soul Train and SOLAR Records.

Carrie Lucas was married to Dick Griffey. He was the founder of Soul Train Records and Solar Records. They were married from 1974 until his passing in 2010. Her daughter is Carolyn Griffey.

Carrie Lucas's Music Career

Early Hits and First Albums

Carrie Lucas released her first album, Simply Carrie, in 1977. Two songs from this album became popular. They were "I Gotta Keep Dancing" and "Gotta Get Away from Your Love." "I Gotta Keep Dancing" reached number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977.

Her second album, Street Corner Symphony, came out in 1978. The famous group The Whispers sang background vocals on this album. The title song was a tribute to the doo-wop music groups of the 1960s. This album was released on Dick Griffey's Solar Records label.

Success in Danceland

In 1979, Carrie Lucas released Carrie Lucas in Danceland. For this album, Dick Griffey brought in other talented artists. Jody Watley from Shalamar sang background vocals. The band Lakeside helped produce and sang backgrounds. Walter and Wallace Scott from The Whispers also sang backgrounds.

Organist Kossi Gardner wrote and played on the hit song "Dance with You." This song helped the album reach number 37 on the U.S. Dance Album chart. "Dance with You" was also a hit in the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 40. Later, in 1999, parts of this song were used by Armand van Helden in his hit song "You Don't Know Me."

Later Albums and Retirement

Carrie Lucas's 1980 album, Portrait of Carrie, had less commercial success. However, it still produced three smaller hit songs. One was a new version of her first hit, called "Keep Smilin'." Other songs included "It's Not What You Got (It's How You Use It)" and "Career Girl." Dick Griffey worked with Leon Sylvers and Kossi Gardner on producing this album.

Her next album, Still in Love, was released in 1982. It was released by Solar Records and distributed by Elektra/Asylum. This album had two popular singles. These were "Men" and the more successful "Show Me Where You're Coming From." The artist Sheila E. helped write the album's title song.

Carrie Lucas's most recent album, Horsin' Around, came out in 1985. It featured four singles. These included "Charlie," "Horsin' Around," "Summer in the Street," and "Hello Stranger." Her cover of Barbara Lewis's song "Hello Stranger" reached number 20 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart.

Carrie Lucas's last known recording was in 1990. She sang the song "I Like the Rhythm" for the movie soundtrack Lambada: Set the Night on Fire. After this, Carrie Lucas decided to retire from the music industry. She wanted to focus on her family life and her love for horses. Carrie Lucas is the mother of Carolyn Griffey from Shalamar and Lucas Griffey.

Recent Activities

In 1999, Unidisc Records in Canada released a Greatest Hits collection. This album included most of her popular 12-inch mixes.

Carrie Lucas released a new song on May 15, 2018. It was her first single since 1990. The song is called "Some Things Never Change." Carrie Lucas and Nigel Lowis wrote it. This song reached number 32 on Amazon's Hot New Releases chart that week. The single was released on Solar Records UK.

Carrie Lucas, Carolyn Griffey, Lucas Griffey, and Chinese music promoter Jessie Tsang relaunched Solar Records and Soul Train Records in the UK. The UK magazine Soul Survivors covered this relaunch. Jessie Tsang is the CEO, with Sonia Damney as Vice President. Carrie Lucas also owns the trademark rights for Shalamar in the UK and Europe.

In 2022, Carrie Lucas took part in a special episode of the Unsung TV series. This episode was about Dick Griffey and Solar Records. It aired on the US cable channel TV One on November 6, 2022.

Music Releases

Studio Albums

Singles