Venetta Fields facts for kids

Venetta Lee Fields (born in 1941) is an amazing singer, musical theater actress, and vocal coach. She was born in America but later became an Australian citizen.

Venetta is famous for being a backing vocalist for many popular bands and singers. She worked with huge names like Ike & Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand. After moving to Australia in 1982, she also sang for Australian stars like John Farnham and Jimmy Barnes.

Life and Music Journey

Growing Up

Venetta Fields was born in Buffalo, New York in 1941. She grew up in a religious family. Her first musical training came from singing gospel songs in church. Her biggest inspiration was the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Venetta started her singing career with a group called the Templaires. She formed this group with friends from her church. Later, she joined the Corinthian Gospel Singers.

Starting Her Career

In 1961, Venetta joined the Ikettes, who were the backing singers for the famous Ike & Tina Turner Revue. This was a big step for her. The group traveled all over the United States, performing in many major cities.

While with the Ikettes, Venetta also released her first solo song in 1963. It was called "You're Still My Baby." She also got to sing solo parts during the Ike & Tina Turner shows.

In 1965, the Ikettes had a big hit song called "Peaches 'N' Cream." It reached number 36 on the pop music charts. Venetta left the Ikettes in late 1965. She later said it was a "rough job" but a "very good experience." She felt it was time to move on and grow as an artist. After leaving, she moved to Los Angeles.

In 1966, Venetta and two other former Ikettes formed a new group called the Mirettes. They had a hit song called "In the Midnight Hour" in 1968. Venetta left the Mirettes around 1970.

Singing in the Studio

From about 1969, Venetta became a "session vocalist." This means she was hired to sing backing vocals on other artists' recordings. She often worked with Clydie King and Sherlie Matthews.

She sang for many famous musicians, including Pink Floyd on their album Wish You Were Here. She also sang on the Rolling Stones' album Exile on Main St. She remembered recording late at night for the Rolling Stones. She said she was more excited about earning money for a new coat than meeting the band!

Around 1971, Venetta, Clydie King, and Sherlie Matthews formed a group called the Blackberries. They also sometimes sang as the Raelettes when backing Ray Charles. In 1976, Venetta and Clydie King sang as "The Oreos" for Barbra Streisand in the movie A Star Is Born. They also sang on the movie's soundtrack.

Moving to Australia

Venetta toured Australia in 1978 and 1980 with Boz Scaggs. She loved the country and decided to move there permanently in 1982. She felt she needed a fresh start. She said, "I had all that experience and a good reputation but I felt like I was stuck in a stereotyped box."

After moving, Venetta continued to sing backing vocals for many artists. She worked with visiting American stars like George Benson and Dionne Warwick. She also sang for popular Australian artists. These included Richard Clapton, Jimmy Barnes, and John Farnham.

In the mid-1980s, Venetta started her own group in Melbourne called Venetta's Taxi. She also began teaching singing. She coached many students, including famous Australian singers.

In 1985, Venetta and John Farnham were guest singers for a charity song. It was a cover of "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" to help little penguins. The song reached number 10 on the Australian music charts. Venetta then toured with John Farnham for his "Jack's Back Tour."

On Stage

In 1989, Venetta started acting in musical theater. Her first role was Alice in the Australian show Big River in Sydney. She also appeared in other plays and musicals. These included The Crucible and Buddy the Musical. In 1986, she created her own show called Gospel Jubilee.

Later Years

Today, Venetta Fields lives in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. She no longer tours or records with other artists. She released her own solo album called At Last in 2005.

Venetta is still a very active vocal coach. She has helped many young singers. Some of her students include Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo and singer-songwriter Cody Simpson.

Awards and Recognition

In 2002, Venetta Fields received the Australian Gospel Singer of the Year award.

On September 29, 2005, she was honored by being inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. This recognized all her amazing achievements in music.

Selected Music

Solo Songs

• 1963: "You're Still My Baby"/ "I'm Leaving You" (Sony 112)

Solo Albums

• 1976: The Dupars Featuring Venetta Fields – Love Cookin' - We Rockin (Grit Records)
• 1999: At Last (Drumlake Pty. Ltd.)

Singing with Ike & Tina Turner (as an Ikette)

• 1964: Ike & Tina Turner Revue Live (Kent Records)
• 1965: Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show (Warner Bros. Records)

Backing Vocal Highlights

• 1972: The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St.
• 1973: Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon Tour
• 1975: Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
• 1976: Barbra Streisand – A Star Is Born (soundtrack)
• 1977: Steely Dan – Aja
• 1978: Bob Seger – Stranger in Town
• 1988: John Farnham – Age of Reason