Roberta Kelly facts for kids

Roberta Kelly is an American singer famous for her disco and urban contemporary gospel music. She had three popular songs on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart between 1976 and 1978. Her most successful song, "Trouble-Maker", was number one for two weeks.

From 1975 to 1983, Roberta also sang backup for other artists. She worked with Thelma Houston and on many albums for the famous singer Donna Summer.

Roberta Kelly's Music Journey

Starting in Los Angeles and Moving to Germany

Roberta Kelly grew up in Los Angeles, California. In August 1972, she traveled to Munich, West Germany. She went there during the Olympic Games to follow her dream of becoming a singer.

Early Recordings and Disco Hits

Before her songs were released in the US, Roberta recorded a single in Germany. It was called "Kung Fu Is Back Again" (1974). This song was produced by Pete Bellotte and Giorgio Moroder. In 1974, she also sang for a group that later became known as the Silver Convention.

In 1975, she released the song "Love Power". This was a cover version of an older song. In April 1976, Roberta became a disco artist with her song "Trouble-Maker". She also released an album with the same name. The album had five songs, including a longer version of "Love Power".

The Zodiac Lady Album

In 1977, Roberta released her album Zodiac Lady. The song "Zodiacs" from this album became very popular in dance clubs and on the radio. "Zodiacs" reached number 24 on the US Hot Dance/Club Play chart in 1977. It also reached number 44 in the UK Singles Chart in 1978. Other songs like "Funky Stardust" and "Love Sign" were also released from this album in different countries.

Gospel Music and Later Work

Gettin' the Spirit was Roberta's next album, released in March 1978. This album featured gospel songs sung in a disco style. It included dance versions of "Oh Happy Day" and "To My Father's House". These two songs were released together as a single. "Gettin' the Spirit" also had a disco version of "My Sweet Lord". This album reached number 9 on the US Hot Dance/Club Play chart in 1978.

In 1978, after Pope John Paul II became Pope, Roberta released a song called "John Paul II". This song was not on an album. However, the song on the other side of the single, "Tribute to Love", was later included on her 1980 album, Roots Can Be Anywhere. By this time, Roberta was no longer with Casablanca Records. Two songs, "Kabacka Shaka" and "Roots Can Be Anywhere", were released from this album.

In 1981, Roberta Kelly released the album Tell Me. After that, she did not release new music until 1995. In 1995, she released The Sound of Color and "Jubilee in Germany". These celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. In 2008, Roberta released a new song called "America (The Sound of Colour Realized)".

Roberta Kelly's Albums and Songs

Albums

• 1976: Trouble-Maker
• 1977: Zodiac Lady
• 1978: Gettin' the Spirit
• 1980: Roots Can Be Anywhere
• 1980: This Is Roberta Kelly
• 1981: Tell Me
• 1995: Sound of Color

Singles

• 1974: "Kung Fu Is Back Again"
• 1975: "Love Power"
• 1976: "Trouble-Maker"
• 1977: "Zodiacs"
• 1977: "Love Sign"
• 1977: "Funky Stardust"
• 1977: "I'm Sagittarius"
• 1978: "Oh Happy Day"
• 1978: "Gettin' the Spirit"
• 1979: "John Paul II"
• 1980: "Roots Can be Anywhere"
• 1980: "Kabacka Shacka"
• 1981: "Patty Cake"
• 2008: "America (The Sound of Colour Realized)"

See also

• List of number-one dance hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart