Pebbles (musician) facts for kids

Perri Arlette Reid (born August 29, 1964), known as Pebbles, is an American singer and businesswoman. She is also a pastor and music producer. Pebbles became famous in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her hit songs include "Girlfriend" (1987) and "Mercedes Boy" (1988). She also had hits with "Giving You the Benefit" (1990) and "Love Makes Things Happen" (1990).

Besides her own music, Pebbles helped create the R&B group TLC. Today, she is a minister in Atlanta, known as Sister Perri.

Early Life of Pebbles

Perri Arlette McKissack was born on August 29, 1964. She grew up with three siblings. Her parents came from both European-American and African-American backgrounds. When Pebbles was about six years old, her parents separated. Her mother raised the children by working as a waitress and housekeeper.

Pebbles' Music Career

Pebbles started her music journey at age 16 in 1980. She was a backing vocalist for Bill Summers, a percussionist. She also sang with the funk band Con Funk Shun. Pebbles even helped write one of Con Funk Shun's songs, "Body Lovers".

A local musician offered her a music production deal. This deal did not work out. Later, while working in real estate, she met George L. Smith. He helped her by providing $80,000. This money was used to create a demo tape and a music video for her song "Mercedes Boy". This demo helped her get a contract with MCA Records.

Hit Songs and Collaborations

Pebbles released several popular songs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "Girlfriend" was a hit in 1987. It was written by L.A. Reid and Babyface. Her song "Mercedes Boy" (1988) was written by herself. Other popular songs included "Take Your Time" (1988) and "Do Me Right" (1988).

In the 1990s, she released "Giving You the Benefit" (1990) and "Love Makes Things Happen" (1990). Both were written by L.A. Reid and Babyface. "Backyard" (1991) was another successful song. Pebbles' cousin, R&B singer Cherrelle, was featured on her 1991 song "Always."

Starting Pebbitone

In July 1989, Pebbles started her own company called Pebbitone. It was based in Atlanta. She also created her own record label, Savvy Records. Pebbitone managed the famous R&B group TLC. TLC was signed to LaFace Records, which was owned by Pebbles' husband at the time, L.A. Reid.

Life Beyond Music

In 1997, Pebbles had a religious experience. She changed her stage name to "Sister Perri." She then started a ministry called Women of God Changing Lives (WOGCL) Ministries. As an ordained minister, she now preaches and sings gospel music.

After not releasing music for 13 years, Sister Perri released her first gospel album in 2008. It was called Prophetic Flows Vol I & II. This album reached #12 on the Billboard Gospel Album Chart. In 2011, she became the executive producer and host for Essence magazine's national R&B search.

Personal Life

Pebbles has been married five times and has three children. Her first child, a daughter named Ashley Victoria Winzer, was born in 1982. She later had a son named Aaron in 1990. In 2000, Pebbles married former baseball player Otis Nixon. She married her fifth husband, Excel Sharieff, in 2012.

Discography

• Pebbles (1987)
• Always (1990)
• Straight from My Heart (1995)
• Prophetic Flows Vol I & II (2008)