Susannah Melvoin
| Susannah Melvoin | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 26, 1964 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Rock, funk, pop, new wave, Minneapolis sound, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Associated acts | Prince, The Revolution, The Family |
Susannah Melvoin (born January 26, 1964) is an American vocalist and songwriter, best known for her association with Prince in the mid-1980s. Coming from a musical family, Melvoin is the twin sister of musician Wendy Melvoin, sister of Jonathan Melvoin (touring keyboardist with The Smashing Pumpkins), and daughter of jazz pianist (and former NARAS president) Michael Melvoin.
Her work with Prince
Susannah got her start working with Prince in the mid-1980s during sister Wendy's stint with The Revolution. During this period, she was tapped to be a joint lead vocalist of one of Prince's side projects, The Family. Prince wrote The Family's 1985 song, "Nothing Compares 2 U", about Melvoin.[1] The selection charted when Sinéad O'Connor covered it in 1990.
Later, she joined the expanded line-up of The Revolution, adding backing vocals to Parade, including the 1986 single "Anotherloverholenyohead". She designed the Dream Factory jacket, and, in addition to Wendy & Lisa of The Revolution, received a credit on Sign o' the Times (she co-wrote the song "Starfish and Coffee").
Melvoin was engaged to Prince,[2] and during their relationship he wrote several songs about her.[3]
Later work
Melvoin has subsequently worked as a background vocalist for such artists as Roger Waters, Eric Clapton and Mike Oldfield among others and has performed vocals on Wendy & Lisa's albums.
As a songwriter, she has co-written songs performed by Madonna (Melvoin co-wrote Ray of Light's fourth track "Candy Perfume Girl"), Eric Clapton, and Doyle Bramhall II of Arc Angels.
She has also performed in small or cameo roles in three small-budget films, including Skin & Bone and Luster.
In 2007, The Family reunited to record a new album, and renamed themselves fDeluxe in 2009.
References
- ↑ Lewis, Everett, DVD commentary, Luster
- ↑ Elan, Priya (September 20, 2008). "Purple Reign". The Guardian.
- ↑ Nilsen, Per (2003). Dance Music Sex Romance: Prince: The First Decade. SAF. p. 199. ISBN 0-946719-64-0.