Sheléa Explained

Sheléa Frazier
Birth Name:Sheléa Melody Frazier
Alias:Sheléa
Birth Place:Redwood City, California, U.S.
Birth Date:1980 8, mf=yes
Origin:Bakersfield, California, U.S.
Years Active:2003–present

Sheléa Frazier also known as Sheléa, stylized as SHELÉA or sheléa, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her 2014 track "I'll Never Let You Go" peaked at 23 on Billboard's Adult R&B chart. She is mentored by Stevie Wonder, and is a protégée of Quincy Jones. Sheléa portrays gospel singer Dorinda Clark Cole in the 2020 Lifetime biopic, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Life and career

Sheléa Frazier was born in Redwood City, California and raised in Bakersfield, California.[5] She has been singing and playing piano since she was a child.[6] She has cited Natalie Cole's album Unforgettable...with Love as the impetus for her desire to become a singer.

Sheléa co-wrote and performed the theme song to the UPN television sitcom All of Us from 2003 to 2006.

Sheléa began her professional career working with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.[7] In 2008, she sang lead on the track "Someone to Watch Over Me", at the request of Take 6; the song was nominated for a Grammy. Afterward, Stevie Wonder contacted the singer for collaborations.[8]

Sheléa first gained wider prominence in 2012 after she posted a YouTube video singing a medley of Whitney Houston covers after the singer's death, which went viral.[9] Later that year, she was invited to the White House to sing for the Obamas at the Gershwin Prize presentation. The next year, Sheléa performed a Whitney Houston tribute at the Grammy Museum.

Shelea's debut album, Love Fell On Me, was released in 2013. The track "I'll Never Let You Go" song peaked at 23 on Billboard's Adult R&B chart. She also wrote and performed the 2011 track "Love Fell On Me" for the film Jumping the Broom.

In 2019, she released an album Pretty World. A Tribute to Allen & Marilyn Bergman, which included Stevie Wonder and Kirk Whalum.[10] Later that year, Quincy Jones produced a concert special on PBS featuring the singer, called Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa. Shelea's performance featured David Foster.

She starred in the 2020 Clark Sisters biopic as Dorinda Clark-Cole.

Mentorship and influences

Sheléa is mentored by Stevie Wonder and is a protégée of Quincy Jones. She was a backup singer for Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life Tour in 2014 and 2015.[11] In 2018, she held a two-month residency at Jones' Q's Bar & Lounge in Dubai.

She has stated that Whitney Houston is one of her biggest inspirations.

Discography

Albums

Extended plays

Soundtracks

Singles

Album appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
"Let It Go"2006Avila BrothersThe Mood: Soundsational
"Grandma's Song"2008The Experience: 5th Anniversary Project
"Someone to Watch Over Me"Take 6, Roy HargroveThe Standard
"Christmas Time Is Here"2010Take 6The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"2011Nelson BeatoA Gift to You
"I Always Win"2012The Bol Worship CenterExcellence: A Praise and Worship Experience
"Human Nature"2013BWBHuman Nature
"Christmas Day"2014Daniel RodriguezA Glorious Christmas
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)"2018Dave Koz, Kenny LattimoreSummer Horns II: From A to Z
"I Want Milk"Justin Andrew Wilson, IILJ's World
"Auntie's Heart"
"I Want Jesus"2019Mark BunneyForhym
"Star Spangled Banner"Maestro LightfordCalendar Muzik
"Mary Did You Know?"Jonathan ButlerChristmas Together
"Love Is"
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"Michael LingtonA Foreign Affair Christmas
"The Bodyguard Medley (Live)"David FosterAn Intimate Evening
"Silver Bells"Dave Koz, Auburn RoadCedric the Entertainer & Silas White Present: A Powerbase Christmas
"The Prayer Song"2020Jaden Gray, Joshua LedetAn Invitation To The Cookout
"Catch the Wave"Sergio MendesIn the Key of Joy
"Time Goes By"

External links

Notes and References

  1. Salt–N-Pepa Miniseries, the Clark Sisters Biopic In Works. Althea. Legaspi. March 28, 2019. Rolling Stone. January 22, 2020.
  2. Web site: Sheléa (chart results). Billboard.com. January 29, 2020.
  3. Web site: Singer-songwriter Shelea hits the charts and Blues Alley. WTOP-FM. Liz . Anderson . May 29, 2014. January 29, 2020.
  4. Web site: Shelea Talks Going to College, Stevie Wonder As a Mentor, The White House, More. Gary. Gentles. July 22, 2013. Singersroom. January 12, 2016.
  5. Web site: Quincy Jones' protégée Sheléa recalls the time Bobbi Kristina praised her for Whitney Houston tribute - Music News - ABC News Radio. abcnewsradioonline.com. en. April 12, 2019. February 1, 2020.
  6. Web site: Exclusive Interview: Pop-Culturalist Chats with Sheléa. January 16, 2020. Pop-Culturalist.com. en-US. February 1, 2020.
  7. Web site: Sheléa On Career, Music and Her Future. October 30, 2019. MUSE. Michael. Sandoval. en-US. February 1, 2020.
  8. Web site: Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa. Robinson. Jennifer. KPBS. en. November 27, 2019. February 1, 2020.
  9. Web site: Sheléa: Pretty World: A Tribute to Alan and Marilyn Bergman (Breath of Life). Tamarkin. Jeff. JazzTimes. en-US. May 18, 2019 . February 1, 2020.
  10. Web site: Sheléa Gives Insight Into New Music and Starring in Lifetime's 'The Clark Sisters'. Vo. Thao. November 15, 2019. Sheen Magazine. en-US. February 1, 2020.
  11. Web site: Sheléa & Kirk Whalum Bask In The 'Moonlight' SoulBounce . March 1, 2018 . www.soulbounce.com. en-US. February 1, 2020.