Shanice facts for kids

Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox (born May 14, 1973) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her amazing voice. Shanice had popular songs like "I Love Your Smile" in 1991. Other hits include "Silent Prayer" and "Saving Forever for You". In 1999, her song "When I Close My Eyes" also became very popular. Shanice is famous for her clear, high singing voice. She can even sing in a special very high range called the whistle register.

Early Life and Start in Music

Shanice Lorraine Wilson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she was young, she moved to Los Angeles. She lived there with her mother, Crystal, and her aunt, Penni. Her mom and aunt wanted to work in the music business. They soon decided to help Shanice with her talents instead. They even started a company called Crystal Penni to help her career.

When Shanice was nine, she appeared in a TV commercial. She was with the famous jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. In 1984, Shanice was on a children's TV show called Kids Incorporated. She was part of the main cast for the first 13 episodes. At age eleven, Shanice competed on a show called Star Search. After that, she signed a music deal with A&M Records.

Music Career Highlights

In 1987, when Shanice was 14, A&M Records released her first album, Discovery. This album had two songs that became top hits in R&B music. These songs were "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No ½ Steppin'".

Shanice later signed with Motown Records in 1990. In 1991, she released her album Inner Child. This album included her most famous song, "I Love Your Smile". This song was a top-ten hit in 22 different countries. It also reached number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also had her version of Minnie Riperton's song "Lovin' You". This song showed off Shanice's wide vocal range.

In 1993, Shanice sang with Kenny Loggins on his live album. In 1994, she released another album called 21... Ways to Grow. She then moved to LaFace Records in 1997. This label released her 1999 album, Shanice.

Shanice has also sung songs for movies. She sang "Don't Wanna Love You" for the movie Boomerang. She also sang "It's for You" for The Meteor Man. Her song "Saving Forever for You" was a top-ten hit from the Beverly Hills 90210 Soundtrack. In 1995, she sang a duet with Jon Secada called "If I Never Knew You". This song was for Disney's movie Pocahontas.

Shanice sometimes sings background vocals for other artists. You can hear her on songs by Toni Braxton and Usher. In 2010, she sang on the song "Behind the Mask" from Michael Jackson's album Michael. She also sang "Love Is the Gift" for the video game The Bouncer.

After a break, Shanice released her album Every Woman Dreams in 2006. This album reached number 30 on the R&B Albums Chart. In 2019, Shanice released a new song called "He Won't". In 2022, she sang the theme song for the Sesame Street show Mecha Builders.

Acting and Other Appearances

Besides singing, Shanice is also an actress. She appeared in an episode of the TV show Family Matters. In 2001, she was a singer on her husband Flex's TV show One on One. That same year, she starred in a TV movie called One Special Moment.

In 1997, Shanice made history on Broadway. She was the first Black performer to play the role of Eponine in the musical Les Misérables. In 2014, Shanice and her husband, Flex, starred in their own reality show. It was called Flex & Shanice and aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2021, Shanice appeared on the TV series First Wives Club. She performed on the Ladies First tour in one episode.

Personal Life

On February 19, 2000, Shanice married actor and comedian Flex Alexander. They have two children together. Their daughter, Imani Shekinah Knox, was born in 2001. Their son, Elijah Alexander Knox, was born in 2004. In 2024, Shanice shared that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery to treat it. She has shown great strength through this.

Discography

Studio albums

• Discovery (1987)
• Inner Child (1991)
• 21... Ways to Grow (1994)
• Shanice (1999)
• Every Woman Dreams (2006)

Awards and Recognition

Shanice has been recognized for her musical talents with several awards.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are very important awards in the music world. They are given each year for great achievements in music.

Golden Lion Award

Soul Train Music Awards

The Soul Train Music Awards celebrate the best in Black music and entertainment.

See also

In Spanish: Shanice para niños