N'Dea Davenport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
N'Dea Davenport
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Davenport performing in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Born | September 22, 1966 |
| Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1988–present |
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| Associated acts | The Brand New Heavies |
N'Dea Davenport, born on September 22, 1966, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and music producer. She is well-known for being the main singer of the British band The Brand New Heavies, which plays a cool style of music called acid jazz. She helped create and popularize this type of music.
Contents
Early Life and Career Start
Growing Up and Moving to Los Angeles
N'Dea Davenport went to and graduated from Clark Atlanta University. After finishing college, Davenport moved to Los Angeles. There, she worked on plays and appeared in music videos for commercials.
Starting Her Music Journey (1988–1989)
In 1988, Davenport began her career singing background vocals for many different artists. In January 1989, she was the main guest singer on American rapper Tone Lōc's song "Cheeba Cheeba." This song was on his album Lōc-ed After Dark.
After singing on Tone Lōc's album, Davenport got a record deal with his music label, Delicious Vinyl. In July 1989, she sang on "Algernon's Simply Awfully Good At Algebra." This song was part of Malcolm McLaren and The Bootzilla Orchestra's album Waltz Darling. During 1989, she also appeared on several other albums.
Joining The Brand New Heavies
Becoming the Lead Singer (1990–1995)
In 1990, the owners of Delicious Vinyl records, Matt Dike and Michael Ross, suggested Davenport join the English band The Brand New Heavies. The band needed a new lead female singer to replace their previous one.
The Brand New Heavies then re-recorded their first album with Davenport's new vocals. In 1991, they released this updated version of their self-titled album through Delicious Vinyl. This album became the band's first to appear on music charts. It reached number twenty-four on the UK Albums Chart and earned a silver award in the UK.
The band also re-released their popular songs "Dream Come True," "Stay This Way," and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head" with Davenport's voice. All these songs reached the top forty on the UK Singles Chart. Because of their album's success, the group was invited to perform on famous TV shows like Soul Train, Showtime at the Apollo, and Top of the Pops. Their next album, Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1, came out in 1992.
In March 1994, the band released their third album, Brother Sister. This album was very successful, reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart. It also earned a platinum award, meaning it sold a lot of copies. The album included the song "Dream On Dreamer," which became a hit in many countries. The music video for "Dream On Dreamer" was even nominated for an award. Other songs from the album, "Back to Love" and a cover of "Midnight at the Oasis," also did well on the UK Singles chart.
At the Brit Awards in 1995, the group was nominated for "British Dance Act." By the end of 1995, Davenport left the group because of disagreements. Another American singer, Siedah Garrett, took her place.
Solo Career and Reunions
Starting Her Own Music (1996–2004)
In 1996, Davenport returned to America to focus on her solo music career. While working on her first album, she signed a contract with V2 Music. In June 1998, Davenport released her first solo album, also called N'Dea Davenport. Even though music critics liked the album, it did not sell very well. It reached number fifty-six on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The first song from the album, "Bring It On," reached number seventy-six on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She went on many tours to support her album, including the concert series Lilith Fair. After her time with V2 Music ended, she continued making music, often working on dance music projects in Europe.
Rejoining The Brand New Heavies (2005–2013)
In 2005, Davenport was asked to rejoin The Brand New Heavies, and she accepted. The group also reunited with Delicious Vinyl and started recording their new album in London. In June 2006, the group released their seventh album, Get Used to It. The main song from the album was a cover of Stevie Wonder's "I Don't Know Why (I Love You)." This song reached number twelve on the UK R&B Singles chart. The group went on a concert tour from 2006 to 2008. In October 2009, they released a live album called Live in London. This album featured their concert performance at The O2 Arena in London in 2008.
In late 2009, Davenport formed a music duo called Celectrixx with Japanese DJ and musician Katsuya Everywhere. They created "acoustic electronic" music. Celectrixx toured in several countries, performing different sets of remixed and new songs.
In April 2013, The Brand New Heavies released their album Forward. This album featured vocals by Davenport and a new singer, Dawn Joseph. However, Davenport was not asked to finish recording the album. When the group released "Sunlight" (which included Davenport's vocals) as the main song, Davenport was not in the music video. The group toured later in 2013, sometimes using concert posters with Davenport's picture to advertise the tour. Davenport announced on her Facebook page that she was not invited to join the group on these tours. She stated that any shows advertised with her image would not include her. On October 10, 2013, The Brand New Heavies announced that Dawn Joseph had officially joined the band as their full-time lead singer.
Recent Projects (2014–Present)
In February 2016, Davenport was featured on Louie Vega's song "Magical Ride (Wave of Love)." This song was on his album Louie Vega Starring...XXVIII. In June 2016, Davenport reunited with The Brand New Heavies for a two-month tour. In October 2020, she appeared on Horse Meat Disco's song "Fight for Love" for their album Love and Dancing.
Personal Life
Davenport used to live in New Orleans but mostly lived in New York City. She moved back to New Orleans after her apartment became unlivable because of the September 11 attacks. Her apartment was very close to the World Trade Centers.
Discography
Solo Album
- N'Dea Davenport (1998)
The Brand New Heavies Albums
- The Brand New Heavies (1990)
- Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 (1992)
- Brother Sister (1994)
- Get Used to It (2006)
- Live in London (2009)
- Forward (2013)
- Shibuya 357: Live in Tokyo 1992 (2021)
