Cherrelle facts for kids

Cheryl Ann Norton (born October 13, 1958), known as Cherrelle, is an American R&B singer. She became famous in the mid-1980s. Cherrelle is known for her hit songs like "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and "Everything I Miss at Home". She also sang popular duets with Alexander O'Neal, including "Saturday Love" and "Never Knew Love Like This". Another hit was "Always" with her cousin, Pebbles.

Cherrelle's Early Life and Career

Cherrelle was born in Los Angeles, California. Her father, James Feaster, was a lawyer from Detroit. He also helped manage her music career.

Starting in Music

Cherrelle began her music journey working with jazz and R&B artists. She worked with Norman Connors and Michael Henderson. She also toured with the famous singer Luther Vandross.

Signing with Tabu Records

In 1983, Clarence Avant, who started Tabu Records, heard Cherrelle sing. He was very impressed and signed her to his record label. Cherrelle chose her stage name after a boss once called out "Cher-relle, you're late again!"

Cherrelle's Hit Albums and Songs

Cherrelle released many popular albums and songs throughout her career.

Fragile (1984)

In 1984, Cherrelle released her first album, Fragile. It was produced by the well-known team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This album featured her first top 10 R&B song, "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On".

Song Covers

About a year later, pop singer Robert Palmer covered "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On". He included it on his 1985 album Riptide. Mariah Carey also covered the song in 2001 for her movie soundtrack album Glitter.

High Priority (1985)

Cherrelle's next album was High Priority. This album sold very well and was certified gold. It included the hit song "Saturday Love". This song was a duet with Alexander O'Neal. It reached number 2 on the R&B charts and number 6 in the UK.

More Duets and Hits

Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal had another hit duet called "Never Knew Love Like This". This song reached number 28 on the US pop charts in 1988. It also hit number 2 on the R&B charts.

Affair (1988)

Her third album, Affair, came out in 1988. This album featured her number 1 R&B song, "Everything I Miss at Home". The album's title track also became a hit, reaching number 4 on the R&B chart.

Later Albums

In 1991, Cherrelle released the album The Woman I Am. For this album, she worked with producer Narada Michael Walden. He was known for working with Whitney Houston. Cherrelle later reunited with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for her 1999 album, The Right Time.

Cherrelle's Family Connections

Cherrelle has strong family ties in the music world.

Musical Relatives

Cherrelle's cousin is the pop singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid. Cherrelle is also the aunt of Brandi, who was in the girl group Blaque. In 1991, Cherrelle and Johnny Gill were featured on Pebbles' song "Always". This song made it into the top 20 on the R&B charts.

Cherrelle's Singing Voice

Cherrelle is known for her unique singing voice.

Vocal Style

Cherrelle has a light and clear soprano voice. A soprano is a type of singing voice that is high in pitch. Music critics have described her voice as "light, wispy, and airy." This special sound helped her become popular in R&B music. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wanted to work with her because of her amazing vocal talent.

Cherrelle's Music Albums

Studio Albums

• Fragile (1984)
• High Priority (1985)
• Affair (1988)
• The Woman I Am (1991)
• The Right Time (1999)