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, record producer, and music executive. Pebbles became famous for her hit songs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of her popular songs include "Girlfriend" (1987) and "Mercedes Boy" (1988). She also had hits like "Giving You the Benefit" (1990) and "Love Makes Things Happen" (1990).

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

Early Life and Beginnings

Perri Arlette McKissack was born on August 29, 1964. She grew up with three brothers and sisters. Her parents were of both European-American and African-American backgrounds. When Pebbles was about six years old, her parents got divorced. Her mother worked as a waitress and housekeeper to support the family.

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

Later, a local musician offered her a production deal. However, this deal didn't work out. Pebbles then met George L. Smith while working at a real estate office. They later got married. George helped Pebbles by giving her money to make a demo tape and a music video. This video was for her song "Mercedes Boy." The demo and video helped her get a contract with MCA Records.

Music Career and Hits

Pebbles released several hit songs on her own. These came out in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her song "Girlfriend" was written by L.A. Reid and Babyface in 1987. She wrote "Mercedes Boy" herself in 1988. Other hits include "Take Your Time" (1988) and "Do Me Right" (1988).

In the 1990s, she had more success with "Giving You the Benefit" (1990). This song was also written by L.A. Reid and Babyface. "Love Makes Things Happen" (1990) and "Backyard" (1991) were also big hits. Her cousin, R&B singer Cherrelle, sang with her on the 1991 hit "Always."

Pebbitone and TLC

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

Later, TLC faced financial difficulties. This led to disagreements between TLC and Pebbles' company. The situation also caused problems in Pebbles' marriage, and she and L.A. Reid divorced.

Life as Sister Perri

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 shares her faith and sings gospel music.

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

Family Life

Pebbles has been married and has three children. She gave birth to her daughter, Ashley Victoria Winzer, in 1982. She also has a son named Aaron, who was born in 1990. In 2012, Pebbles married her current husband, Excel Sharieff.

Discography

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