Zulema facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zulema
Background information
Birth name	Zulema Cusseaux
Also known as	Ms. Z
Born	(1947-01-03)January 3, 1947
Origin	Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Died	September 30, 2013(2013-09-30) (aged 66)
Genres	R&B, soul
Years active	1966–1982
Labels	Sussex, RCA, LeJoint, The Sound Of Brooklyn
Associated acts	Faith, Hope and Charity, Van McCoy

Zulema Cusseaux (born January 3, 1947 – died September 30, 2013), known simply as Zulema, was a talented American singer and songwriter. She was famous for her disco and R&B music. Besides her solo career, Zulema was also part of the group Faith, Hope and Charity. She also sang backup and wrote songs for the legendary Aretha Franklin.

Zulema's Musical Journey

Zulema Cusseaux was born in Tampa, Florida. She went to Howard W. Blake High School. With her school friend Brenda Hilliard, she joined a local group called The 5 Crystals. Later, Zulema, Brenda, and Albert Bailey formed a trio called The Lovelles.

Becoming Faith, Hope and Charity

The Lovelles met a music producer named Van McCoy. They signed with Maxwell Records. Their group's name changed to Faith, Hope and Charity. Their song "So Much Love" became a hit in 1970. It reached number 15 on the R&B music chart.

Starting a Solo Career

Zulema left Faith, Hope and Charity in 1971. She then started her solo music career. Her first solo album was called Zulema. It included songs like "American Fruit, African Roots." Zulema began touring and opened shows for big stars. One of these stars was Bill Withers.

She also performed at a special concert in Chicago called Push Expo. This concert was made into a movie called Save the Children. The movie's soundtrack featured Zulema's song "This Child of Mine." This song was about single mothers.

New Labels and Collaborations

After her second album, Ms Z, Zulema signed with RCA Records. She released three more albums with them: Zulema, R.S.V.P., and Suddenly There Was You. She also sang the song "I Just Can't Say Good-Bye" for the movie Honeybaby, Honeybaby.

In 1975, her cover of Michael Jackson's song "Wanna Be Where You Are" was a hit. It reached number 58 on the R&B chart. In 1978, she released the album Z-Licious. This album included a duet with her friend and producer, Van McCoy. Van McCoy also asked Zulema to help with Aretha Franklin's 1979 disco album, La Diva. Zulema wrote one of the songs and sang backup vocals for the whole album. Her former bandmates, Brenda Hilliard and Albert Bailey, joined her.

Later Years

In 1980, Zulema starred in a musical in New York called Jazzbo Brown. In 1982, she formed a duo with Al Macdowell called Zalmac. They released an album called Whatcha Gonna Do. It featured songs like "Friends."

After her music career, Zulema moved back to Tampa, Florida. She became the lead musician at the First Baptist Church of West Tampa. Zulema passed away on September 30, 2013, at the age of 66.

Zulema's Albums

• Zulema (Sussex, 1972)
• Ms Z (Sussex, 1973)
• Zulema (RCA, 1975)
• RSVP (RCA, 1975)
• Suddenly There Was You (RCA, 1976)
• Z-Licious (Le Joint, 1978)
• Whatcha Gonna Do (The Sound of Brooklyn, 1982) (with Zalmac)

Zulema's Chart Hits

Here are some of Zulema's songs that made it onto the music charts: