♪ He proposed to me ♪
♪ He proposed with a diamond ring ♪
♪ I started crying ♪ ♪ I started crying ♪
♪ Tears filled my eyes ♪
♪ He placed it on my finger and I said yes ♪
- [Narrator] How do you measure the soul of a woman?
For this nine-time Grammy Award nominated,
three-time Soul Train Award nominated,
and 1999 Soul Train Award winner
for R&B/Soul, Rap New Artist,
her impact on music is immeasurable.
As a singer, songwriter, and producer,
Kelly Price rises to every occasion.
From singing background vocals
for some of the most noteworthy musicians,
like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston,
to being center stage, Kelly Price's beautiful
and powerful voice is the reason she's an It Girl.
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As a far Rockaway Queens native, Kelly was raised
in a musically inclined Pentecostal family.
Her mother was her church's musical director
and Kelly Price was able to shine in the midst.
At three years old, Kelly's talent was undeniable
as she sang her first solo in church.
As a child, in front of the congregation,
Kelly was given the moniker little Mahalia,
and it was working and singing with the choir
that eventually led to her being discovered.
- Now tell me, when you write a song like "Friend of Mine",
is that written from personal experience
or was it just an imaginary issue
you feel all women can relate to?
- It's not an imaginary issue,
but it is an issue that all women can relate to.
It is personal experience, but it's not mine.
- (laughs) Okay. - No. (laughs)
- Better get it straight right off the top.
- [Kelly] Yeah, uh huh.
- Tell us how you came to the attention
of Island Black Music Records?
- Well, I was introduced to Hiriam Hicks by Ronald Isley.
I met Ronald Isley through Sean Puffy Combs.
I was a co-writer on the "Floatin' On" remix with Lil' Kim,
and that's how I came to their attention initially.
- Okay. - It's a long story.
- [Narrator] In the early '90s,
Kelly and the choir were hired to perform in huge spaces
with incredible artists.
Kelly performed alongside the choir at Madison Square Garden
with George Michael, but it was Mariah Carey
that helped get Kelly noticed.
Mariah heard Price practicing on her own and was blown away.
The then president of Sony Music
approached Kelly with a deal,
and Kelly Price began to sing background vocals
for stars like Mariah Carey, the Isley Brothers,
Elton John, the Clark Sisters, Diddy,
Whitney Houston, and more.
During that time, Kelly was penning songs
that would be featured in her double-platinum debut album,
"Soul of a Woman", which made history
with the song "Friend of Mine",
charting as number one
without any accompanying music video.
From that milestone, Kelly Price has continued
to reach multiple levels of success and admiration,
as her albums went platinum
and her talent was widely sought after.
Her versatility has allowed her to move seamlessly
through multiple genres, from gospel to R&B,
rock, and hip hop.
Kelly Price's vocals have been the focal point
in hits beyond her own singles,
like "Mo Money Mo Problems", "Heartbreak Hotel",
"Ultralight Beam", and "Sue Me".
Kelly Price has also entertained the world
with her stage performances.
She originated and co-wrote the role of Sheila,
in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married",
and penned the song "Why" for the theatrical soundtrack.
As a powerful vocalist, Kelly Price has written
and performed songs that have stayed
with listeners for decades.
Her devotion to giving the world great music
and performances is only enhanced by the altruistic ways
that she has aided in raising money to fight breast cancer,
and providing help for families displaced
in natural disasters, like 2017's Hurricane Irma and Harvey.
As we continue to embrace her talent and accolades,
Kelly Price has continued to be a beacon
of joy, power, and a musical haven
for those who want to escape a chaotic world
and be soothed by strong vocals.
Denying Kelly Price's talent, ain't no way.
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