Nicci Gilbert facts for kids

Nicci Gilbert is an American R&B singer. She is best known as the lead singer of the R&B group Brownstone. This group became famous in the mid-1990s.

Brownstone's hit song "If You Love Me" was nominated for a Grammy Award. Other popular songs included "Grapevyne" and "Pass the Lovin'". They also had success with their version of "I Can't Tell You Why", a song first sung by The Eagles.

After Brownstone broke up in 1997, Gilbert started acting. She appeared in the 1998 movie Woo. She later returned to music as a solo artist. In 2003, she released her first solo album, Grown Folks Music.

In 2012, Gilbert starred in and helped produce the TV show R&B Divas: Atlanta on TV One. The show followed the lives of five R&B singers from the 1990s. She was on the show for two seasons. She also performed with Brownstone at events like the Essence Music Festival.

Early Life and Music Dreams

Nicci Gilbert was born in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents were African-American. Nicci grew up in Detroit. Her mother, Helene, was a jazz singer. Helene greatly encouraged Nicci's love for music. When Nicci was in high school, she sang Madonna's "Crazy for You" in a talent show.

After high school, Nicci studied music and drama at Eastern Michigan University. But she left after two years. She moved to Los Angeles with a friend. She wanted to be closer to the music industry. This was a big risk, but it worked out for her.

At first, Nicci had a tough time in Los Angeles. She performed in many talent shows. She also worked regular jobs, like at Taco Bell, to pay her bills. Things got better in 1993. That year, Nicci formed the first lineup of Brownstone. She started the group with Monica Doby and Charmayne Maxwell.

Music Career Highlights

Brownstone's Rise to Fame (1993–1997)

In 1994, Brownstone signed with superstar Michael Jackson's MJJ Music label. This label worked with Epic Records and Sony Records. Their first song, "Pass the Lovin'", came out in the United States on August 2, 1994. This song did not make it onto the main Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, it reached number fifty-eight on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also hit number forty-two on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

Their first album, From the Bottom Up, was released on January 10, 1995. It reached number twenty-nine on the Billboard Hot 200 chart. Their next song, "If You Love Me", became a huge hit. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It also hit number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart in the U.S.

"Grapevyne" and "I Can't Tell You Why" were released as the third and fourth songs from the album. They were not as successful as "If You Love Me". They charted at numbers forty-nine and fifty-four on the Billboard Hot 100. From the Bottom Up also had Brownstone's popular remake of the Eagles' song "I Can't Tell You Why". This song was originally pop/rock. Nicci and her group gave it a new R&B sound.

Monica Doby left the group because of disagreements with Nicci. Kina Cosper replaced her. In 1997, Brownstone showed off their new lineup on their second album, Still Climbing. This album was released on June 24, 1997. It turned out to be their last album. Two songs, "5 Miles to Empty" and "Kiss and Tell", were released to promote the album. "5 Miles to Empty" reached number thirty-nine on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the second song did not make it onto the Hot 100. To the sadness of their fans, the group broke up that year.

Acting Roles (1996–1998)

In 1996, Nicci Gilbert started acting. She had roles on different TV shows. These included Martin and Living Single. She played "Alesha" in the "Martin, I Want to Sing" episode of Martin. She was also Helen Robinson on Living Single in the episode "School's Out Forever".

In 1998, Nicci appeared on Sister, Sister. She played Nurse Shelley in the episode "In Sickness and Health". A few months later, Nicci made her first movie appearance. She was in the romantic comedy Woo as Crayola. The movie received many negative reviews from viewers and critics.

Solo Music and Stage Work (2002–2005)

After a five-year break, Nicci Gilbert returned to music in 2002. She signed with MCA Records. Her first solo song, "My Side of the Story", was released. It was meant to be the title track for her album. The album's name was soon changed to Grown Folks Music. The song was sent to radio stations on October 28, 2002.

In 2003, MCA Records closed down. This meant Nicci's album was put on hold. In a 2011 interview, Nicci talked about her album. She said, "This was around the time MCA pretty much ended. I asked for my masters, and they gave them to me. I own the masters to the album, and it's available on iTunes." The album was later released on her own on March 8, 2005. However, it did not make it onto the music charts in the United States.

In 2004, Nicci starred in Tyler Perry's play Meet the Browns. She played Vera Brown. The play was released on DVD on June 28, 2005.

New Projects and TV Shows (2010–Present)

On October 11, 2010, a preview for the musical Soul Kittens Cabaret was released online. Nicci Gilbert directed this musical. It featured R&B singers Faith Evans, Fantasia Barrino, Monifah, Syleena Johnson, and Nicci herself. The musical was released on DVD on January 11, 2011.

In 2012, Nicci was an executive producer for TV One's R&B Divas. She also starred in the show. Other singers in the cast included Faith Evans, Keke Wyatt, Monifah, and Syleena Johnson. The show followed the singers living in Atlanta, Georgia. It showed them working to restart their careers. Nicci appeared on the show for seasons one and two. She became one of the most talked-about people on the show. The first episode aired on August 20, 2012.

During the show, the R&B Divas singers worked together on a charity album. This album honored the life of Whitney Houston. It included the song "Love Yourself", which was also in the TV show's opening. Money from the album went to groups that help women.

In 2015, Nicci worked with Queen Latifah. They produced a series for BET Networks called From The Bottom Up. Nicci created and executive produced this series for two seasons.

On April 7, 2017, Nicci Gilbert released a song called "Fly". It was released through Brownstone Records.

In July 2022, Nicci Gilbert was made an honorary member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority.

Music Albums

• Grown Folks Music (2005)

Acting Roles

Movies

Television Shows

Plays