Jaki Graham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jaki Graham
Graham performing live at Let's Rock Liverpool, 31 July 2021
Background information
Birth name	Jacqueline Graham
Born	(1956-09-15) 15 September 1956 (age 68) Birmingham, England
Genres	R&B dance-pop British soul house pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1977–present
Labels	EMI Avex International JNT Music Ltd

Jaki Graham is a famous British singer and songwriter. She was born Jacqueline Graham on September 15, 1956. Jaki became well-known in 1985 with her hit song "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" which she sang with David Grant. After that, she had five more songs reach the top 20 in the UK charts over the next two years. In 1994, her version of Chaka Khan's song "Ain't Nobody" became number one on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

Jaki Graham's Music Journey

Early Career and EMI Records

Jaki Graham was born in Birmingham, England. Her parents were from Jamaica. In 1983, Jaki was singing for a jazz funk band called Medium Wave Band. A talent scout heard her and signed her to EMI Records.

The next year, she released two solo songs: "Heaven Knows" and "Once More with the Feeling." "Heaven Knows" was also the name of her first album.

Big Hits and Duets

In 1985, Jaki sang a duet with David Grant. It was a cover of the Detroit Spinners song "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love." This song became a big hit, reaching number 5 in the UK charts.

A few months later, Jaki's song "Round and Around" also made it into the UK top 10. She and David Grant released another duet called "Mated," which reached number 20.

In 1986, Jaki's song "Set Me Free" was released and became a top 10 hit in the UK. It was also popular across Europe. Her song "Breaking Away" followed, reaching number 14. Her second album, also called Breaking Away, came out around this time. Later in 1986, her song "Step Right Up" was remixed and also reached the UK top 20.

Working with Michael McDonald

During this time, American singer Michael McDonald was looking for a female singer. He wanted someone to sing with him on his song "On My Own" for his UK tour. When he heard Jaki's voice, he said she was "one of the best singers Britain has ever produced." Michael McDonald later wrote songs for Jaki's albums and invited her to be a special guest on his tours.

In 1989, Jaki released her third album with EMI, called From Now On. It included two songs, "From Now On" and "The Better Part of Me," but they did not reach the top 40 in the UK.

Later Music and International Success

In 1991, Jaki joined a group called Kiss the Sky with Paul Hardcastle. They released an album that year. In 1993, a Japanese music company, AVEX International, discovered Jaki. They signed her right away.

In 1994, Jaki started working on her album Real Life. Three songs from this album were released around the world. One of them was "Ain't Nobody," which became Jaki's biggest international hit. "Ain't Nobody" reached number one on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart for five weeks!

Graham performing live in Bristol, UK in June 2014.

In 2009, Jaki performed with the BBC Big Band at the Birmingham Town Hall. They sang special versions of George Gershwin's classic songs. The show was very popular. Jaki was invited back in 2010 to sing Duke Ellington's songs.

In 2010, her album Breaking Away – Special Edition was re-released. It had the original 12 songs plus five bonus tracks. Jaki also toured with Michael McDonald and Al Green on their 'Legends' Arena Tour. Later that year, her first official 'greatest hits' album, Absolute Essential – The Very Best of Jaki Graham, was released. It had 28 songs on two CDs.

In 2011, Jaki was a special guest on Cliff Richard's 'Soulicious' Arena Tour. She was the only British guest alongside other famous singers. The show was filmed and released as a DVD.

In 2012, Jaki recorded a new album called For Sentimental Reasons. She also worked with UK music producer Paul Rudd to release a new version of "Set Me Free 2012."

In 2016, Jaki hosted a radio show called Soul on Sunday on BBC Radio London. In 2018, she released a new album, When a Woman Loves, on her own music label.

Personal Life

Jaki Graham has been married to Tony Ormsby since 1976. They have two children: a daughter named Natalie (born 1981) and a son named Ryan (born 1993).

Awards and Recognition

In October 2012, Jaki Graham was honored with a Birmingham Walk of Star on Broad Street. This is like a special award for famous people from Birmingham. She performed some of her hit songs at a show that evening.

In 2015, Jaki received an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton. This award recognized her important contributions to the music industry.

Discography

This section lists Jaki Graham's albums and singles.

Studio Albums

Compilation Albums

Singles

See also

• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart
• List of Billboard number-one dance club songs
• List of number-one dance singles of 1994 (U.S.)
• List of performers on Top of the Pops