Tawatha Agee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tawatha Agee
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Agee in 2021
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 14, 1954 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Origin | New York City, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1978–present |
| Labels | Epic |
Tawatha Agee (born November 14, 1954) is an American singer and songwriter. People have described her voice as a powerful and "gospel-charged soprano." She was the main singer for the funk and soul band Mtume. Her amazing vocals are heard on their 1983 R&B hit song, "Juicy Fruit".
Tawatha has also worked a lot as a backing vocalist. She has sung for many artists since the mid-1970s. She often worked with James Mtume, who produced her only solo album. This album, called Welcome to My Dream, came out in 1987. She is also part of a singing group called "the Lovely Ladies." They tour with the popular Dave Matthews Band.
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Early Life and Education
Tawatha Agee was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey. For her education, she went to Newark Arts High School. Later, she studied at Howard University.
Music Career
Singing with Mtume and as a Backup Artist
Tawatha Agee started her career singing on James Mtume's album Rebirth Cycle in 1977. She then joined the band Mtume. She sang on their album Kiss This World Goodbye in 1978. This album included a song called "The Closer I Get to You." She continued with Mtume on their 1980 album, In Search of the Rainbow Seekers.
She also provided backup vocals for many other artists. She sang on three albums by Stephanie Mills. These were What Cha' Gonna Do with My Lovin' (1979), Sweet Sensation (1980), and Stephanie (1981). Tawatha also helped write songs. She co-wrote the duet "Two Hearts" for Stephanie Mills and Teddy Pendergrass.
Tawatha Agee was the main singer on many of Mtume's popular songs. One of their biggest hits was "Juicy Fruit" in 1983. This song was very popular and reached number one on the R&B charts in the U.S. for eight weeks. She stayed with Mtume for their last two albums. These were You, Me and He (1984) and Theater of the Mind (1986). On these albums, she also played guitar and keyboards.
In 2021, Tawatha Agee received a special honor. She was one of the first people to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. This award recognized her important contributions as a songwriter.
Solo Music Journey
Tawatha Agee has released one solo album so far. It is called Welcome to My Dream. Epic Records released this album in 1987. James Mtume helped produce the album. Tawatha also wrote songs for it with other musicians. Her album had a top ten R&B hit song called "Thigh Ride." This song reached number 7 on the charts.
Returning to Backup Singing
After her solo album in 1987, Tawatha Agee focused on being a session singer again. This means she sang backup for many different artists in the studio. She has recorded with famous musicians like Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Celine Dion, and Sting. She also sang as one of the muses on the soundtrack for the movie Hercules in 1997.
Solo Discography
Albums
- Welcome to My Dream (Epic Records, 1987)
Singles
- "Are You Serious?" (Epic, 1987)
- "Thigh Ride" (Epic, 1987)
- "Did I Dream You" (Epic, 1987)
- "Love On Hold" (Glitterbox/Defected Records, 2017) with Aeroplane
