Caron Wheeler
This poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous. )Find sources: "Caron Wheeler" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2020) |
Caron Wheeler OBE | |
---|---|
Born | |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1976–present |
Children | 1 |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instrument(s) |
|
Labels | |
Caron Melina Wheeler
Following the exit from the group in 1990, she released her debut solo album, UK Blak (1990), which contained hits "Livin' in the Light", "UK Blak", and "Don't Quit". She continued her solo career with the release of her second album, Beach of the War Goddess (1993). Wheeler reunited with Soul II Soul in 1994, but left in 1995 due to creative differences. Throughout her career, she has performed on and off with Soul II Soul but officially rejoined them in 2013.
Described as a pioneer of the British soul scene, her musical repertoire is often characterized by themes of love, relationships, and empowerment, as well as black history. Her dynamic on-stage performances have led many critics[who?] to consider her one of the most effective singers in popular music. Throughout a career spanning 40 years, she has sold over 6 million records collectively as a solo artist and as a member of Soul II Soul. In June 2012, Wheeler was honored with the Heritage Award from Performing Right Society along with the members of Soul II Soul.[3]
Career
1976–1983: Brown Sugar
Wheeler was born in England to Jamaican parents, and raised briefly in Jamaica.[4] When Caron was in high school, she and childhood friend Pauline Catlin began performing together for fun. Inspired by female groups The Shirelles and The Ronettes whom they hoped to emulate, they began performing together professionally. In 1976, Wheeler and Catlin eventually entered and won a singing competition at the Bali Hai nightclub in London. Catlin and Wheeler later added Carol Simms and the women began performing as Brown Sugar.[5]
In 1977, Brown Sugar released their major label debut song "I'm in Love with a Dreadlocks". The song was a massive hit with sound system owners and reggae lovers and went on to reach the top spot in the British reggae charts.[5] Their self-titled album was scheduled to be released in 1977, but was shelved after the group disbanded due to the mistreatment by their recording label, Lover's Rock. In 1978, Caron reunited with Brown Sugar and embarked on a tour with Dennis Brown. Following the tour, the group released a series of singles: "Our Reggae Music", "Confession Hurts", "Dreaming of Zion", and "I am So Proud" in 1979.[5] After releasing their final single "Go On Now" in 1983, the group disbanded to further pursue solo careers.
1982–1988: Afrodiziak
In 1982, Wheeler met
1988–1990: Soul II Soul
In 1988, Wheeler met
In 1988, she sang backing vocals in the Erasure's song "Chains of Love".[8]
In March 1989, Caron performed "Keep on Movin'" with Soul II Soul on Top of the Pops. She continued to tour with the group throughout the year but left Soul II Soul to begin recording her solo album.
1990–1993: UK Blak and Beach of the War Goddess
In early 1990, Wheeler secured a recording contract with EMI.[8] Her first solo album UK Blak was released on May 15, 1990. The album sold 60,000 copies in the UK, entered the UK Albums chart at number 14, and has since sold 100,000 copies worldwide.[11] The album's lead single, "Livin' in the Light", became Caron's first number-one single as a solo artist in the US.[12] The album also featured the singles "UK Blak", "Blue (Is the Colour of Pain)", and "Don't Quit", which also charted on UK Singles chart.[13]
In 1992, Wheeler returned to the studio and began recording her second album.[8] She also recorded her lead vocals on a song entitled "Take Me Higher", which was featured on Soul II Soul's album Volume III Just Right. In October 1992, the album's lead single "I Adore You" was released with moderate success. The song was also featured on the soundtrack to the movie Mo' Money in July 1992. In February 1993, she released Beach of the War Goddess.[8] Wheeler's second album also spawn the singles: "In Our Love", "Soul Street", and "Beach of the War Goddess".
1994–1996: Return to Soul II Soul
In 1994, Wheeler was asked to rejoin Soul II Soul, for the recording of their fourth studio album Volume V: Believe. The line-up now consisted of Jazzie B,
In 1995, Wheeler recorded "
1997–2004: Music production
In 1997, Wheeler provided guest vocals on the song "You're Mine" for Eric Gadd's album The Right Way.[14] In 1999, Wheeler released a single "Star", which peaked at number 82 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs' chart. In 2001, Wheeler recorded the song "Open" with Pete Rock on the American hip hop production team Da Beatminerz's album Brace 4 Impak. In 2002, Wheeler was featured on Meshell Ndegeocello's Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape.[14]
In 2003, she performed the track "Another Star" to the Stevie Wonder tribute album Conception - An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder's Songs. She was featured on the song "Lonely" for Richard X's album, Richard X Presents His X-Factor Vol. 1.[14]
In 2004, Wheeler released her live album Live at Duo Music Exchange. The album was recorded in Tokyo, Japan, and features live performances of her songs with various collaborators, including her musical director at the time, Maximina Juson, Da Beatminerz, and others. The live show also features songs Wheeler recorded during her time with Soul II Soul.
2007–present: Return to Soul II Soul
In 2007, Wheeler reunited with Soul II Soul, at the time consisting of Jazzie B, Aitch Bee, and MC Chickaboo. The group began performing at local nightclubs and music festivals. In February 2009, Wheeler toured with the group in Australia where they performed at the Playground Weekender Festival. In July 2009, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lovers Rock Gala Awards.
In 2010, Soul II Soul reunited for a reunion tour with the lineup consisting of: Jazzie B, Caron Wheeler, Rose Windross, Kym Mazelle, Charlotte Kelly, Aitch B, and MC Chickaboo. Following the conclusion of tour, Wheeler briefly departed from the group. In June 2012, Wheeler was present with the members of Soul II Soul when they received the honorary from PRS Heritage Plaque Award.[3] She also performed with the group during the ceremony. They unveiled a plaque in Brixton, London, at the location where they played their first gig in 1991.[16]
In 2013, Wheeler officially returned to Soul II Soul and began touring again with the group as the lead vocalist. During her interview with Jools Holland, Wheeler stated that she would be recording new music with Soul II Soul.
In 2016, Soul II Soul released a single "A New Day", featuring
Wheeler was appointed
Personal life
This section has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Wheeler attended Kingsdale Foundation School in south London in the late 70s. In 2004, Wheeler gave birth to her daughter Asha Star.
Discography
- UK Blak (1990)
- Beach of the War Goddess (1993)
Awards and nominations
Competitive
- American Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1990 | "Keep on Movin'" | Favorite Soul/R&B Single | Nominated |
"Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" | Favorite Dance Single | Nominated |
- BRIT Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1990
|
"Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" | Best British Single | Nominated |
- Grammy Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1990
|
"Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | Won |
"African Dance" | Best R&B Instrumental Performance | Won |
- Juno Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" | Best International Single of the Year | Nominated |
- Soul Train Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1990 | "Keep on Movin'" | Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Song of the Year
|
Won |
Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single, Group, Band, or Duo
|
Won |
Honorary
- Lovers Rock Gala Awards
- 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award
- PRS for Music Heritage Awards
- 2012: Lifetime Achievement Award (with Soul II Soul)
See also
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
- Kingsdale School
References
- ^ "Back To Life". Warnerchappell.com. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
- ^ a b Heritage Awards > Soul II Soul. PRS for Music. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
- ^ "Canal Street Online Manchester". Canal St Online.
- ^ ISBN 0-7535-0242-9, pp. 39–40.
- ^ Wynn, Ron. "Biography: Caron Wheeler". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ "Afrodiziak - Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
- ^ ISBN 0-7535-0252-6.
- ^ "Punch the Clock - Elvis Costello, Elvis Costello & the Attractions | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
- ^ "Naomi Thompson - Biography". isemusic.org. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
- ^ "UK Certified Awards Search > Caron Wheeler". British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 2014-01-01.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 278.
- ^ "UK Charts > Caron Wheeler". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Caron Wheeler Discography | Credits. Discogs. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
- ^ 久保田利伸のシングル売り上げランキング. Oricon Japan. Retrieved on 30 June 2016
- ^ Rachel blundy (22 June 2012). "Soul II Soul unveil plaque in Brixton". Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
- ^ Origins: The Roots of Soul II Soul - Soul II Soul (Overview). AllMusic. Retrieved on July 11, 2017
- ^ "No. 64082". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 June 2023. p. B16.
External links
- Caron Wheeler at AllMusic
- Caron Wheeler discography at Discogs