Carroll Thompson facts for kids

Carroll Thompson is a talented British singer. She is famous for her "lovers rock" music. Many people call her the "Queen of Lovers Rock." Lovers rock is a smooth and romantic style of reggae music.

About Carroll Thompson

Carroll Thompson was born in England. Her family has roots in Jamaica.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

When she was young, Carroll learned to play the classical piano. She also sang in school and church choirs. At first, she planned to study pharmacy. However, her love for music grew stronger. She started working as a backing singer. This happened after she tried out for a group called Sugar Cane.

Becoming a Solo Star

Carroll Thompson soon began her solo music career. She had great success with her "lovers rock" songs. Her songs "I'm So Sorry" and "Simply in Love" became very popular. Both of these songs topped the reggae music charts in 1981. That same year, she released her first album, Hopelessly in Love. This album sold over a million copies around the world.

In 1982, Carroll won two important awards. These were the GLR Reggae Awards. She won for Best Female Performer. She also won Best Song for "Hopelessly In Love." She won Best Female Performer again in 1983. She also sang duets with other artists. These included Sugar Minott and Trevor Walters. She continued to have many hits on the reggae charts.

Joining Floy Joy and Other Projects

In 1984, Carroll Thompson joined a band called Floy Joy. This band played jazz-funk music. She sang on one of their albums. They had two smaller hit songs: "Until You Come Back to Me" and "Operator."

Later, in 1987, she sang with Roddy Frame from the band Aztec Camera. They sang the song "One and One" together.

Later Career and Collaborations

Carroll Thompson's music career continued to grow. In 1990, she sang lead vocals on a version of Diana Ross's song "I'm Still Waiting." She recorded this with Aswad and Courtney Pine. This song became a hit in the UK. She also had chart hits that year with Movement 98. These songs were "Joy & Heartbreak" and "Sunrise."

In 1992, her song "Let the Music Play" was part of a famous movie soundtrack. The movie was The Crying Game. In 1993, she worked with Neil "Mad Professor" Fraser on an album. This album was called The Other Side of Love.

In 2018, Carroll Thompson recorded an album to honor the singer Phyllis Dillon. This album was released in 2019.

Carroll Thompson has worked with many famous musicians. She has been a backing singer for artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Boy George, Maxi Priest, Sting, Billy Ocean, Chaka Khan, Aswad, and M People. She also helped start Colourtelly. This was Britain's first internet TV station focused on black interests.

Personal Life

Carroll Thompson is married to Dotun Adebayo. He is a presenter for Radio 5 Live.

Discography

Albums

• Hopelessly in Love (1981)
• Carroll Thompson (1983)
• The Other Side of Love (1993)
• Collectively (1998)
• The Ultimate Collection
• Love Songs
• Flying (2008)
• Feels So Good (2011)

Singles

• "Just a Little Bit" (1982)
• "Smiling in the Morning" (1982)
• "Make It with You" (Carroll Thompson and Sugar Minott, 1983)
• "Strangest Love Affair" (1986)
• "Love Without Passion" (1987)
• "Joy and Heartbreak" (Movement 98 featuring Carroll Thompson, 1990)
• "I'm Still Waiting" (Courtney Pine featuring Carroll Thompson, 1990)
• "Sunrise" (Movement 98 featuring Carroll Thompson, 1990)