Born:
April 4, 1973, in Queens, New York.
Early Career:
R&B singer Kelly Price spent her early years in the music business behind the scenes, lending backing vocals to records by stars, including Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Faith Evans and Brian McKnight, among others. Additionally, she was the featured voice on the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Mo Money, Mo Problems" and Ma$e's "Feels So Good." In 1997, Price also appeared on Puff Daddy's No Way Out album and was a featured performer on Puffy's subsequent tour.
Solo Success:
She released her debut album, Soul of a Woman, in 1998 on Island Records, which contained the hit single "Friend of Mine". A popular "Friend of Mine" remix, also included on the album, features R. Kelly and Ronald Isley. Price's second album, Mirror Mirror, was released in 2000 on the Def Soul imprint of Def Jam Records. A Christmas album, One Family, was released in 2001. Two years later, Price returned with her third regular studio album, Priceless.
A New Look:
Price has said that she grew up being teased for being overweight. But circa 1999-2000, not long after both her mother and mother-in-law had both been diagnosed with breast cancer, Price's doctor told her that she drastically needed to lose weight. Fear of death and dying motivated her to make many lifestyle changes that led to her eventually shed over 100 pounds.
Discography:
2003: Priceless
2001: One Family: A Christmas Album
2000: Mirror Mirror
1998: Soul of a Woman
2001: One Family: A Christmas Album
2000: Mirror Mirror
1998: Soul of a Woman
The Last Word:
"Sometimes it is like juggling with broken glass because both things are very sensitive and have to be handled with care. I can't let the career be neglected and I can't let my family and children be neglected either." -- Kelly Price in 2003, on balancing her career and motherhood.
