Cheryl Anne Norton (born October 13, 1958), and "Never Knew Love Like This", as well as "Always" with her cousin Pebbles.
Biography
Born in Los Angeles, her father, James Feaster, was a Detroit attorney who was also her manager. She began her career working with jazz/R&B artists Norman Connors and Michael Henderson, as well as touring with Luther Vandross. After Tabu Records founder Clarence Avant heard her demo, he signed her to Tabu Records in 1983. Cherrelle decided on her stage name after a boss from a previous job hollered "Cher-relle, you're late again!" Cherrelle and O'Neal would have another top 40 single with "Never Knew Love Like This", which peaked at No. 28 US pop in 1988, and No. 2 R&B. A remixed version of "Saturday Love" on Tabu Records reached No. 55 in the UK Singles Chart in early 1990.
Cherrelle's cousin is pop singer Perri "Pebbles" Reid; and she is the aunt of Brandi of the girl group Blaque. Cherrelle is also a first cousin of music producer and gospel artist Monica Feaster. In addition to Cherrelle's musical background, she and Johnny Gill were featured on Pebbles' 1991 single "Always", which made the R&B top 20. That same year, Cherrelle released the album The Woman I Am, a first-time departure from using Jam and Lewis productions. The singer linked with producer Narada Michael Walden (known for working with Whitney Houston). Cherrelle reunited with the producers eight years later with her independent album The Right Time, released in 1999, and featuring a guest appearance from rapper Keith Murray.
Voice and musical ability
Cherrelle has a light lyric soprano vocal range. Her voice has been called a "light, wispy and occasionally whiny soprano" which influenced the urban contemporary music markets by Ron Wynn of AllMusic. Cherrelle's "light and airy soprano" were considered the inspiration as to why Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wanted to produce her and showcase her gift to the world. Other critics gave her praise for being able to convey emotions.
Discography
;Studio albums
- Fragile (1984)
- High Priority (1985)
- Affair (1988)
- The Woman I Am (1991)
- The Right Time (1999)