Express Yourself! Features
ÀNGELA WINBUSH
By Johnny Butler
DIVA VOCALIST. MUSICIAN. Three labels ,that over the past ten years especially, have been
arguably misused, that have been placed before, after, over, and/or under the names of
some very questionable "talent" in interviews, introductions, and promotional ads in this
industry we know as the "music business."
These aforementioned labels, however, can rest securely on the mantle of one, Àngela
Winbush. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, just listen. Listen to any song
Àngela wraps her vocal cords around and hear and feel what I'm saying. You will hear the
sensual moans and screams of a Minnie Riperton, the operatic highs and vocal control of a
Leontyne Price, the shouts which give you glimmers and shades of Aretha Franklin, the
depth of Sarah Vaughan and the multi-layered phrasing and voicings of Chaka Khan.If there
are still doubters, I suggest you read the credits on the back of any Àngela Winbush project
to see "All songs written, produced and arranged by Àngela Winbush for A-Holden Lady
Productions." Creative control and credits such as these aren't just handed over...they are
earned. Earned by years of nurturing natural talent with training, mentoring and hard fought
battles: the lady is truly blessed.
At an early age this St. Louis native showed great potential. Being the grand-daughter of a
minister, Àngela soaked in the religious fervor and the musical power of church services
consistently. You can hear the church influence in her music today. Her mother heard it then
and sent Àngela to voice lessons at the age of thirteen. This gave her the edge she needed
when she transferred to the Fine Arts Department of the prestigious black college, Howard
University after being an architecture major for two years. This department spawned such
talent as Jessye Norman, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, sisters Debbie Allen and
Phyllicia Rashad and gospel great Richard Smallwood, with whom Àngela sang in the
original lineup of the famous gospel group, the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Àngela majored in music with an emphasis on voice and education which would help her
become the self-contained musical maverick that she is today, studying Musical Theory,
Sight-Singing, Vocal Arranging, Choral Conducting, Piano, Music History, and classical
vocal techniques. Indeed ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY said in 1994 accolades "when it
comes to attention to detail, Winbush is the Rolls-Royce of vocalists."
Important things happened during Àngela's Howard years. She got involved in recording
sessions with a group called HOT TEA. The letters in the word TEA stood for the names of
the ladies that sung with Àngela, Fellow music majors Tawatha Agee, of Mtume fame, and
vocalist Ellete Ricks. They did lots of work especially with late producer and songwriter Van
McCoy. Also during this time Àngela – age 17 - wrote a song that would one day become a 1
R&B hit and go through four interpretations. Originally written with the title, "The Power Of
God", the song was recorded in 1978 by Alton McClain and Destiny as 'The Power Of Love."
Stephanie Mills took the song to the top of the charts in 1986 and covered it again with its
original title on her 1994 gospel project, "Personal Inspirations." Àngela recorded it with its
original arrangement in 1989 on her project, "The Real Thing" giving it a soulful testifying
reading.
Upon graduation in 1977, Àngela taught in public schools for a short period and was hired
by the one and only Stevie Wonder to be a part of his background group, WONDERLOVE.
She toured with Stevie for three years and learned everything from the genius everything
about playing every type of synthesizer and drum machine Stevie had at his disposal.
During this time Àngela met musician Rene Moore and started a ten-year period as part of
the producing and performing duo, Rene and Àngela . Together they wrote and produced
for Janet Jackson, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Rufus and Chaka Khan while garnering a
cult following themselves. They recorded three albums - RENE AND ÀNGELA, WALL TO
WALL, and RISE for Capitol Records and had such hits as "Imaginary Playmates", I Love
You More", "My First Love" and "Bangin' the Boogie." Their biggest success, however,
came towards the end of their tenure together The Polygram album, "STREET CALLED
DESIRE" went gold on the strength of singles "Save You Love For No. 1," "I'll Be Good",
"Your Smile", and "You Don't Have to Cry."
Rene and Àngela separated in a much-publicized breakup. They were embroiled in a nasty
legal battle over ownership of copyrights and royalties embroiled credits that lasted seven
years with Àngela finally being declared the victor and having 'total vindication." During this
time, Àngela went on to become a major force in the music industry by producing herself
and such artists as Stephanie Mills, The Isley Brothers, Lalah Hathaway, Body, and Sheena
Easton.
Àngela's first solo project was the ultra-soulful, brilliant release, "SHARP." One magazine
said this about Àngela's debut: "She has one of the strongest, gutsiest, old-fashioned
rocking soul voices around." The album was introduced with the single, "Angel", a gutsy
personal testimony to her manager, ex-husband, Ronald Isley. It became a 1 R&B single.
The vocal tessitura demonstrated on this alone ranges from tenor to coloratura soprano, a
feat matched by no one at that time. Also on "SHARP " were the funky title track, the singles
"Run To Me", and "C'est Toi (It's You)," the personal "You Had A Good Girl " and the piece-
de-resistance, "Hello Beloved", her duet with Ronald Isley. This haunting, gorgeous song
reminds one of the Isleys’ slow jam, "Hello It's Me," and Àngela goes off into her own
personal territory that could almost be used as anybody's wedding vows.
Àngela followed up this release in 1989 with "THE REAL THING", a musically diverse project
that delves into not only gospel but contains some jazz influences. The funk is still there via
singles "It's The Real Thing", and "No Tears". The ballads are evident with highlights such
as "I'll Never Be The Same" (originally offered to Whitney Houston), "Please Bring Your
Love Back" and the afore-mentioned "I Have Learned To Respect The Power Of Love." The
jazzy side is represented by the gorgeous languid ballad "Precious" in which Àngela
incorporates four part harmony, dissonant chords, jazz progressions and cadences. "Lay
Your Troubles Down", another duet with Ronald is a jazzy song with gospel cadences.
Written as an ode to her half-brother, who committed suicide, Àngela pleads, when in the
murk and mire to give one's troubles over to the One who will help. The lyric comes straight
from the Bible, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The last solo project that Àngela gave her audience was the self-titled Elektra Records
debut, "ÀNGELA WINBUSH." Given four stars by "USA Today", the CD entered the R&B
charts at No.13 and took off where the previous album ended with jazz and gospel
influences. Featuring in demand session players such as George Duke, Gerald Albright,
Nathan East, Thom Bell, Ernie Isley and Chuckii Booker, who produced the first Top 10
single "Treat U Rite." "Keep Turnin’ Me On" was in the vein of the song "Precious" and
picked up where it left off; while "You Are My Everything " is a gorgeous ballad that shows
Chaka Khan's influence on Àngela in its chorus, which is reminiscent of the Rufus & Chaka
classic "Sweet Thing"; Chaka fans will also recognize an ad-lib in the song "Dream Lover"
that comes from "Ooh I Like Your Lovin'" found on the "RUFUS FEATURING CHAKA
KHAN" album. The song "Hot Summer Love" is about as sensual as ever. This project also
included her stellar rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" and I'd venture to say that
this is Àngela's most musical project.
After executive Bob Krasnow left Elektra Records, Àngela and Ronald departed shortly after
and Ron started T-Neck Records again with the release of the platinum Isley Brothers set,"
MISSION TO PLEASE" with Àngela wearing producing, writing, singing and arranging hats
once again. It's a shame that the industry seems to have slowed her recording of another
solo project but it is clear that she has more talent in her eyebrow than some of the female
vocalists at the top of the charts today, some of whom couldn't begin to tell the key of a
song, how to read, write, play and/or music, how to sing correctly with proper breath
support or even how to sing on key. Many of the mediocre artists bombarding the music
airwaves today pretend to be musically inclined, but have a long way to go before they can
call themselves a true vocalist, musician or especially, diva. Àngela Winbush is all of these
and more!
You can write to Johnny at: jbutlerdc@hotmail.com
By Johnny Butler
DIVA VOCALIST. MUSICIAN. Three labels ,that over the past ten years especially, have been
arguably misused, that have been placed before, after, over, and/or under the names of
some very questionable "talent" in interviews, introductions, and promotional ads in this
industry we know as the "music business."
These aforementioned labels, however, can rest securely on the mantle of one, Àngela
Winbush. If anyone doubts the validity of this statement, just listen. Listen to any song
Àngela wraps her vocal cords around and hear and feel what I'm saying. You will hear the
sensual moans and screams of a Minnie Riperton, the operatic highs and vocal control of a
Leontyne Price, the shouts which give you glimmers and shades of Aretha Franklin, the
depth of Sarah Vaughan and the multi-layered phrasing and voicings of Chaka Khan.If there
are still doubters, I suggest you read the credits on the back of any Àngela Winbush project
to see "All songs written, produced and arranged by Àngela Winbush for A-Holden Lady
Productions." Creative control and credits such as these aren't just handed over...they are
earned. Earned by years of nurturing natural talent with training, mentoring and hard fought
battles: the lady is truly blessed.
At an early age this St. Louis native showed great potential. Being the grand-daughter of a
minister, Àngela soaked in the religious fervor and the musical power of church services
consistently. You can hear the church influence in her music today. Her mother heard it then
and sent Àngela to voice lessons at the age of thirteen. This gave her the edge she needed
when she transferred to the Fine Arts Department of the prestigious black college, Howard
University after being an architecture major for two years. This department spawned such
talent as Jessye Norman, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, sisters Debbie Allen and
Phyllicia Rashad and gospel great Richard Smallwood, with whom Àngela sang in the
original lineup of the famous gospel group, the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Àngela majored in music with an emphasis on voice and education which would help her
become the self-contained musical maverick that she is today, studying Musical Theory,
Sight-Singing, Vocal Arranging, Choral Conducting, Piano, Music History, and classical
vocal techniques. Indeed ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY said in 1994 accolades "when it
comes to attention to detail, Winbush is the Rolls-Royce of vocalists."
Important things happened during Àngela's Howard years. She got involved in recording
sessions with a group called HOT TEA. The letters in the word TEA stood for the names of
the ladies that sung with Àngela, Fellow music majors Tawatha Agee, of Mtume fame, and
vocalist Ellete Ricks. They did lots of work especially with late producer and songwriter Van
McCoy. Also during this time Àngela – age 17 - wrote a song that would one day become a 1
R&B hit and go through four interpretations. Originally written with the title, "The Power Of
God", the song was recorded in 1978 by Alton McClain and Destiny as 'The Power Of Love."
Stephanie Mills took the song to the top of the charts in 1986 and covered it again with its
original title on her 1994 gospel project, "Personal Inspirations." Àngela recorded it with its
original arrangement in 1989 on her project, "The Real Thing" giving it a soulful testifying
reading.
Upon graduation in 1977, Àngela taught in public schools for a short period and was hired
by the one and only Stevie Wonder to be a part of his background group, WONDERLOVE.
She toured with Stevie for three years and learned everything from the genius everything
about playing every type of synthesizer and drum machine Stevie had at his disposal.
During this time Àngela met musician Rene Moore and started a ten-year period as part of
the producing and performing duo, Rene and Àngela . Together they wrote and produced
for Janet Jackson, Evelyn "Champagne" King and Rufus and Chaka Khan while garnering a
cult following themselves. They recorded three albums - RENE AND ÀNGELA, WALL TO
WALL, and RISE for Capitol Records and had such hits as "Imaginary Playmates", I Love
You More", "My First Love" and "Bangin' the Boogie." Their biggest success, however,
came towards the end of their tenure together The Polygram album, "STREET CALLED
DESIRE" went gold on the strength of singles "Save You Love For No. 1," "I'll Be Good",
"Your Smile", and "You Don't Have to Cry."
Rene and Àngela separated in a much-publicized breakup. They were embroiled in a nasty
legal battle over ownership of copyrights and royalties embroiled credits that lasted seven
years with Àngela finally being declared the victor and having 'total vindication." During this
time, Àngela went on to become a major force in the music industry by producing herself
and such artists as Stephanie Mills, The Isley Brothers, Lalah Hathaway, Body, and Sheena
Easton.
Àngela's first solo project was the ultra-soulful, brilliant release, "SHARP." One magazine
said this about Àngela's debut: "She has one of the strongest, gutsiest, old-fashioned
rocking soul voices around." The album was introduced with the single, "Angel", a gutsy
personal testimony to her manager, ex-husband, Ronald Isley. It became a 1 R&B single.
The vocal tessitura demonstrated on this alone ranges from tenor to coloratura soprano, a
feat matched by no one at that time. Also on "SHARP " were the funky title track, the singles
"Run To Me", and "C'est Toi (It's You)," the personal "You Had A Good Girl " and the piece-
de-resistance, "Hello Beloved", her duet with Ronald Isley. This haunting, gorgeous song
reminds one of the Isleys’ slow jam, "Hello It's Me," and Àngela goes off into her own
personal territory that could almost be used as anybody's wedding vows.
Àngela followed up this release in 1989 with "THE REAL THING", a musically diverse project
that delves into not only gospel but contains some jazz influences. The funk is still there via
singles "It's The Real Thing", and "No Tears". The ballads are evident with highlights such
as "I'll Never Be The Same" (originally offered to Whitney Houston), "Please Bring Your
Love Back" and the afore-mentioned "I Have Learned To Respect The Power Of Love." The
jazzy side is represented by the gorgeous languid ballad "Precious" in which Àngela
incorporates four part harmony, dissonant chords, jazz progressions and cadences. "Lay
Your Troubles Down", another duet with Ronald is a jazzy song with gospel cadences.
Written as an ode to her half-brother, who committed suicide, Àngela pleads, when in the
murk and mire to give one's troubles over to the One who will help. The lyric comes straight
from the Bible, "My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The last solo project that Àngela gave her audience was the self-titled Elektra Records
debut, "ÀNGELA WINBUSH." Given four stars by "USA Today", the CD entered the R&B
charts at No.13 and took off where the previous album ended with jazz and gospel
influences. Featuring in demand session players such as George Duke, Gerald Albright,
Nathan East, Thom Bell, Ernie Isley and Chuckii Booker, who produced the first Top 10
single "Treat U Rite." "Keep Turnin’ Me On" was in the vein of the song "Precious" and
picked up where it left off; while "You Are My Everything " is a gorgeous ballad that shows
Chaka Khan's influence on Àngela in its chorus, which is reminiscent of the Rufus & Chaka
classic "Sweet Thing"; Chaka fans will also recognize an ad-lib in the song "Dream Lover"
that comes from "Ooh I Like Your Lovin'" found on the "RUFUS FEATURING CHAKA
KHAN" album. The song "Hot Summer Love" is about as sensual as ever. This project also
included her stellar rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" and I'd venture to say that
this is Àngela's most musical project.
After executive Bob Krasnow left Elektra Records, Àngela and Ronald departed shortly after
and Ron started T-Neck Records again with the release of the platinum Isley Brothers set,"
MISSION TO PLEASE" with Àngela wearing producing, writing, singing and arranging hats
once again. It's a shame that the industry seems to have slowed her recording of another
solo project but it is clear that she has more talent in her eyebrow than some of the female
vocalists at the top of the charts today, some of whom couldn't begin to tell the key of a
song, how to read, write, play and/or music, how to sing correctly with proper breath
support or even how to sing on key. Many of the mediocre artists bombarding the music
airwaves today pretend to be musically inclined, but have a long way to go before they can
call themselves a true vocalist, musician or especially, diva. Àngela Winbush is all of these
and more!
You can write to Johnny at: jbutlerdc@hotmail.com
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