Jevetta Steele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jevetta Steele
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Jevetta and Jearlyn Steele at the 2017 Minnesota State Fair
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 11, 1963 Gary, Indiana, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Associated acts | The Steeles, Prince |
Jevetta Steele, born on November 11, 1963, is an American singer. She is known for her amazing voice in R&B and gospel music. Jevetta is also an actress.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Jevetta Steele was born and grew up in Gary, Indiana. She later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. At first, she wanted to become a criminal lawyer.
However, Jevetta soon started a solo career in music and acting. She also joined a gospel group called The Steeles. Her sister Jearlyn and her three brothers were also part of this group.
Musical Journey
Jevetta Steele has had a busy career in music and on stage.
Acting on Stage
In 1983, Jevetta got a main role in a touring show called The Gospel at Colonus. She played the character of Ismene.
After that, she appeared in many other stage shows. These included Smokey Joe's Cafe, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Ain't Misbehavin', and Crowns.
Jevetta also wrote her own musical called Two Queens, One Castle. This show was very popular and received great reviews.
Singing for Movies
Bob Telson, who wrote the music for The Gospel at Colonus, often asked Jevetta to sing for movie soundtracks.
Their work together led to her most famous song, "Calling You". This song was from the 1988 movie Bagdad Café. It was so good that it was even nominated for an Academy Award!
"Calling You" was Jevetta's first single. It became a huge hit on the radio across Europe. It reached the top 10 in Sweden and was especially popular in France.
Because of her success in France, Jevetta signed a recording contract there. In 1989, she released another song called "I Will Remember". Bob Telson also produced this song.
Working with Famous Artists
Starting in 1988, Jevetta Steele became a very popular session singer. This means she sang backup vocals for other artists. Her family group, The Steeles, also did a lot of session work.
Through this work, she met the famous musician Prince. She worked closely with him from 1989 to 1995. She sang on his records and for other artists he produced.
Jevetta also recorded with other big names like George Clinton, 10,000 Maniacs, and Mavis Staples. She sang backup vocals on two songs, "Lie Down in Darkness" and "Move to Memphis", for the Norwegian band a-ha on their album Memorial Beach.
Her Own Albums
While working as a session singer, Jevetta also made her first album, Here It Is. Much of it was recorded at Paisley Park studios. Famous producers like Tommy LiPuma, Ricky Peterson, and Maurice White helped create the album.
Here It Is was first released only in France in 1991. It was later released again in 1993. The album reached No. 15 on the Blues & Soul UK Hiplist chart. It included her hit song "Calling You" and a cover of Dionne Warwick's song "Say A Little Prayer For You".
In the same year, Jevetta's group, The Steeles, released their first album called Heaven Help Us All.
You can also hear Jevetta's voice on the soundtrack of the 1994 movie Corrina, Corrina. She sings the classic song "Over the Rainbow".
Her most recent album is My Heart, released in 2006. It features a mix of new songs and classic jazz tunes.
Personal Life
Jevetta Steele is married and has three children.
Music Releases
Albums
- 1988: Jevetta Steele
- 1993: Here It Is
- 2006: My Heart
Singles
- 1988: "Calling You"
- 1989: "I Will Remember"
- 1991: "Say A Little Prayer For You"
- 1993: "Hold Me"
- 1999: "Calling You" (remix) (with Christian Falk)
