Nona Hendryx facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nona Hendryx
Hendryx performing at the Bowery Poetry Club as part of the Captain Beefheart tribute Best Batch Yet (June 7, 2011)
Background information
Birth name	Nona Bernis Hendryx
Born	(1944-10-09) October 9, 1944 (age 80) Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres	Funk soul pop R&B hard rock funk rock new wave new-age
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter record producer
Instruments	Vocals piano guitar
Years active	1961–present
Labels	ZE Epic Arista RCA Private Music EMI Righteous Babe
Associated acts	Labelle Material Talking Heads Jean Beauvoir

Nona Bernis Hendryx (born October 9, 1944) is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. She is famous for her solo music and for being one of the three members of the group Labelle. Labelle had a huge hit song called "Lady Marmalade".

Nona Hendryx released her first solo album in 1977. Later, in the early 1980s, she sang with the experimental funk group Material. They had a popular song called "Busting Out". Material also helped produce her second album, Nona (1983). This album included the song "Keep It Confidential," which was a hit on the R&B and Dance charts. Another song, "Transformation," became one of her most well-known tunes.

In 1985, Nona wrote and recorded "Rock This House" with Keith Richards. This song was nominated for a Grammy Award. She also recorded songs for movies like Moving Violations and Perfect. Nona also joined the Artists United Against Apartheid project. They released the international hit song "Sun City" to protest against unfair laws in South Africa. In 1987, her song "Why Should I Cry?" became a Top 10 R&B hit. She also sang "Transparent" for the movie Coming to America. In 1996, Nona was nominated for an Emmy Award for her music and lyrics in People: A Musical Celebration. Her music style includes soul, funk, R&B, hard rock, new wave, and new-age.

Nona's Early Music Journey

Starting in New Jersey

Nona Hendryx was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1944. She met another singer from New Jersey, Sarah Dash, there. Later, they met Patricia Holte (Patti LaBelle) from Philadelphia. Nona and Sarah first sang in a group called the Del-Capris. Then, they formed a new group with Patti. In 1961, Cindy Birdsong joined them, and they became the Bluebelles. They signed their first record deal with Newtown Records.

Their first hit song was "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" in 1962. After this, their group name changed to Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. Nona had a deep, husky voice, which was different from the other singers. The group became known for their exciting live shows. They often sang classic songs like "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Over The Rainbow". They competed with other popular girl groups of the time. In 1967, Cindy Birdsong left the group to join The Supremes. Even though this was a surprise, the Bluebelles later reconnected with Cindy. They all came together in 1999 when the group won an R&B Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Becoming Labelle

For the next three years, the group found it hard to keep up with new music trends. Their old "girl group" sound was not as popular. In 1971, they moved to England, where they had many fans. There, their manager, Vicki Wickham, suggested they change their name to Labelle. They also changed their style, swapping fancy dresses for jeans and Afro hairstyles.

They released new albums like Labelle (1971) and Moon Shadow (1972). Their music started to include more serious and political topics. This change was difficult for Patti LaBelle at first, but she eventually agreed. Sarah Dash stayed neutral during these changes. After releasing Labelle, the group opened concerts for famous bands like The Who and Laura Nyro. They also sang backup on Laura Nyro's album Gonna Take a Miracle.

Nona's Songwriting Role

Starting with the Moon Shadow album, Nona Hendryx became the main songwriter for Labelle. Patti and Sarah also wrote some of their own songs. In 1973, Labelle opened for the Rolling Stones on their American tour. After this, they released Pressure Cookin' and changed their look again. They became known as "glam rock, space-age divas."

As a songwriter, Nona wrote powerful songs like "You Turn Me On" and "Nightbird." She also wrote many upbeat songs such as "Space Children" and "Messin' with My Mind." Her song themes were unique and often experimental. On the album Chameleon, Nona sang the lead vocal for the first time on her song "A Man in a Trenchcoat (Voodoo)." In 1974, the group became very successful with their album Nightbirds and the huge hit song "Lady Marmalade".

The group broke up in 1976 due to musical and personal differences. Patti, Sarah, and Nona all started solo careers. Vicki Wickham continued to manage Nona's solo career.

Nona's Solo Career and Collaborations

Nona Hendryx appearing at 2009 Pop Conference, Experience Music Project, Seattle, Washington. (April 6, 2009)

In 1977, Nona Hendryx released her first solo album. It mixed soul and hard rock music. However, the album did not sell well, and she left Epic Records. She then recorded four singles for Arista, but they also did not become hits. Nona found success by singing background vocals for other artists, like Talking Heads. She toured with them and appeared at the Heatwave festival in 1980. She also wrote the song "Checkmate" for Dusty Springfield's album in 1978.

In the early 1980s, Nona led her own progressive rock group called Zero Cool. At the same time, she sang with the experimental funk group Material. They had a big club hit with "Busting Out". She also had other club hits, including a dance version of "Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart." Material also produced her second album, Nona, in 1983. This album had a modern dance sound that was more popular. The song "Keep It Confidential" became a modest R&B hit. "Transformation" became a very popular song for Nona. The album also featured a special song called "Design for Living." Many famous artists sang on this song, including Laurie Anderson, Valerie Simpson, Tina Weymouth, and Patti LaBelle.

In the mid-1980s, Nona recorded songs for movie soundtracks. These included the theme for Moving Violations and "I Sweat (Going Through the Motions)" for the movie Perfect. She also sang "Transparent" for the movie Coming to America. Her album The Art of Defense was released in 1984.

In 1985, Nona wrote and recorded "Rock This House" with Keith Richards for her album The Heat. This song was nominated for a Grammy Award. The music video for her song "I Need Love" caused some discussion because it featured drag queens. As a result, MTV quickly stopped playing the video.

That same year, Nona joined the Artists United Against Apartheid project. She sang on the song "Sun City" with many other famous artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono. This song was a powerful protest against unfair laws in South Africa.

Her biggest commercial success came in 1987 with the song "Why Should I Cry?". It was a top 5 R&B hit. Her album Female Trouble featured many talented musicians, including Peter Gabriel and Prince. Around this time, she joined the Black Rock Coalition, a group that supports Black rock musicians.

Nona explored new music styles with Skin Diver, a new age album. Critics generally liked it, but it did not sell many copies. The song "Women Who Fly" from this album was later covered by Jefferson Starship.

Nona has recorded many songs and albums that have not been officially released. However, a "greatest hits" album called Transformation was released in 1999. Her first solo album from 1977 was released on CD for the first time in 2010. Other albums like The Heat, Nona, and The Art of Defense have also been re-released with bonus songs.

Nona's Acting and Other Projects

Nona Hendryx has also acted. She wrote and performed the theme song for the movie Landlord Blues (1987). She also had a small role in the film. She appeared as herself in the TV series Linc's and sang "Lift Every Voice." More recently, she appeared in the TV show The L Word, where she sang her song "Transformation" with the band BETTY.

Nona has worked with many musicians as a singer and songwriter. She has written songs for Dusty Springfield and Ultra Nate. She has also produced albums for other artists. She has recorded with Yoko Ono, Talking Heads, Afrika Bambaata, and many others. In the early 2000s, she sang on two songs for Paul Haslinger's albums, which were featured on the TV show Sleeper Cell.

Later Career and Labelle Reunions

Nona Hendryx continues to tour and create music. She has written music for a play called Blue. She also joined a group called Daughters of Soul. This group includes daughters of famous soul and blues singers, and they have been very successful, especially in Europe.

In 2005, Nona started her own record label called Rhythmbank with Bob Banks. They have released several music projects, including music for the TV series Sleeper Cell.

Since Labelle broke up, Patti, Sarah, and Nona have reunited several times. They sang together on Patti LaBelle's "Live in New York" video. They also had a dance hit called "Turn It Out" for a movie soundtrack in 1995. In 2006, Labelle reunited to record "Dear Rosa," a song honoring civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Labelle also performed the theme song for the movie Preaching to the Choir, which Nona composed. In late 2008, Labelle released a new album called Back to Now and went on a successful concert tour.

In 2009, Nona explained why Labelle reunited for Back to Now. She said fans were asking for it, and they wanted to make new music. When they recorded "Dear Rosa," Patti was convinced they should make a new album and tour. So, the reunion happened because of fan demand and Patti hearing a sound she loved again.

Nona Hendryx has also written a children's book called The Brownies.

In 2010, Nona performed songs from Skindiver, a musical she is writing. In 2012, her digital album Mutatis Mutandis was released on CD. She appeared on a TV show in the UK to promote it. In 2013, she was a special guest at a tribute concert for Captain Beefheart, performing with a large orchestra.

In 2016, Nona released several new songs. She worked with the DJ duo Soul Clap on the song "Shine (This Is It)." She also collaborated with guitarist Gary Lucas on the album The World of Captain Beefheart, which featured cover songs by Captain Beefheart. In 2018, Nona released an EP called Keep Funkin', produced by Soul Clap. It included contributions from Nile Rodgers.

Nona's Activism

Nona Hendryx has lived in New York City since the 1970s. She is an activist for equality. In 2008, she joined Cyndi Lauper on her True Colors Tour. This tour helped raise awareness about fairness and equal rights for all people.

Nona Hendryx's Music Albums

Studio Albums

• Nona Hendryx, 1977, Epic
• Nona, 1983, RCA Records
• The Art of Defense, 1984, RCA
• The Heat, 1985, RCA
• Female Trouble, 1987, EMI
• Skin Diver 1989, Private Music
• You Have to Cry Sometime (with Billy Vera), 1992, Shanachie Records
• It's Time (with Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnics), 2011, Katalyst Entertainment
• Mutatis Mutandis, 2012, Righteous Babe Records
• The World of Captain Beefheart (with Gary Lucas), 2017, Knitting Factory Records

Compilation Albums

• Transformation – The Best of Nona Hendryx 1999, Razor & Tie
• Rough & Tough 2001, EMI

Singles and EPs

• "Everybody Wants to Be Somebody", 1977, Epic
• "You're the Only One That I Ever Needed", 1979, Arista Records
• "Love It", 1979, Arista
• "Snakes Alive", 1979, Arista
• "Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart", 1980, Barclay
• "Busting Out", 1980, Island Records
• "Holiday", 1980, Island Records
• "Do What You Wanna Do", 1982, Metropolis
• "Keep It Confidential", 1983, RCA
• "Transformation", 1983, RCA
• "B-Boys", 1983, RCA
• "I Sweat (Going Through The Motions)", 1984, RCA
• "To the Bone", 1984, RCA
• "Heart of a Woman", 1984, RCA
• "If Looks Could Kill (D.O.A.)", 1985, RCA
• "Sun City", 1985, Manhattan Records
• "I Need Love", 1985, RCA
• "Baby Go-Go", 1987, EMI
• "Why Should I Cry?", 1987, EMI
• "Winds of Change (Mandela to Mandela)", 1987, EMI
• "SkinDiver", 1989, Private Music Records
• "Women Who Fly", 1989, Private Music Records
• "Urgently in Love", (with Billy Crawford), 1998
• "It's a Party", (with Bounty Killer), 1998
• "The Ballad of Rush Limbaugh", 2010
• "The Tea Party", 2011
• "In Praise of Older Men (Father, Brother, Lover, Son)", 2016
• "Walk with Me", 2016
• "Shine (This Is It) (With Soul Clap)", 2016
• "Shine (This Is It) (With Soul Clap) (EP)", 2017
• "Keep Funkin'", 2018, Soul Clap Records

Nona Hendryx in Film and TV

Movies

• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1978, appeared in the finale
• Heartbreakers, 1984 (song "Transformation")
• Landlord Blues, 1987, composer, singer, and actress (as attorney "Sally Viscuso")
• Gospa, (Composer) 1995
• Preaching to the Choir, a.k.a. On the One, 2006, (Composer)

Television Shows

• People: A Musical Celebration, (composer), 1996
• The L Word, season 3 episode 8 (as herself), 2006

Theater Performances

• Blue, (Composer), 2001
• The Who's Tommy ("The Acid Queen"), 2008, Ricardo Montalbán Theatre

Radio Appearances

• Playback '78, (interview) 1978
• Interchords, (interview) 1978

Images for kids

• 

  Hendryx with Gary Lucas, Nina Persson and others at the Best Batch Yet tribute to Captain Beefheart