Shanice facts for kids

Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox (born May 14, 1973), known simply as Shanice, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is famous for her hit songs like "I Love Your Smile" from 1991. Other popular songs include "Silent Prayer" (1991) and "Saving Forever for You" (1993). In 1999, her song "When I Close My Eyes" also became a big hit. Shanice is known for her amazing singing voice, which can reach very high notes.

Early Life and Start

Shanice Lorraine Wilson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she was young, she moved to Los Angeles with her mother, Crystal, and her aunt, Penni. Her mother and aunt wanted to work in the music business. They soon decided to focus on helping Shanice develop her talents. They even started a company called Crystal Penni to manage her career.

Shanice was only nine years old when she appeared in a TV commercial. She was in a Kentucky Fried Chicken ad with the famous jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. In 1984, she joined the cast of a children's TV show called Kids Incorporated. Shanice also competed on a talent show called Star Search when she was eleven. Soon after, she signed a record 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 popular R&B songs: "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No ½ Steppin'". In 1990, Shanice signed with Motown Records. She released her album Inner Child in 1991.

Her most famous song, "I Love Your Smile", was on this album. It became a top-ten hit in 22 countries. The song reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also included 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 her album 21... Ways to Grow. Later, she moved to LaFace Records and released the album Shanice in 1999.

Shanice has also sung songs for movies. These include "Don't Wanna Love You" from Boomerang and "It's for You" from The Meteor Man. Her song "Saving Forever for You" was a top-ten hit from the Beverly Hills 90210 Soundtrack. She also sang a duet with Jon Secada called "If I Never Knew You" for Disney's 1995 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 for video games like Rhythm Party and 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, she released a new song called "He Won't". In 2022, Shanice 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 sang on her husband Flex's TV show One on One. That same year, she starred in the TV movie 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 called Flex & Shanice. The show aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2021, Shanice appeared as herself on the TV series First Wives Club.

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.

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.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are very important music awards in the United States. They celebrate great achievements in the music industry each year.

Golden Lion Award

Shanice won a special award in 1993.

Soul Train Music Awards

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

See also

In Spanish: Shanice para niños