Babyface - The True R&B King Of Our Era!
Growing up in the 90's, R&B was my food, my nourishment, and my happiness. And even though there were many artists that fed my cravings, Babyface was the one artist that kept me satisfied over and over again. This R&B legend has many awards and accolades by being a great solo artist, writer, and producer. However, most importantly, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds made people feel...
Please read my lens and let me share with you this great man's career! You will find following his career is like following all of R&B in the late 80's and all of the 90's. During these times, if it was R&B and it was good, chances are Babyface had a part in it!
Enjoy!
Please read my lens and let me share with you this great man's career! You will find following his career is like following all of R&B in the late 80's and all of the 90's. During these times, if it was R&B and it was good, chances are Babyface had a part in it!
Enjoy!
Young Kenny Edmonds - The Manchild
Kenny Edmonds was born on April 10th, 1959 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the second youngest of 6 boys (two of them were in the popular R&B group "After 7") and decided that he wanted to pursue a career in music at a young age. Determined to succeed in his goals, he learned the guitar early and right after graduating North Central High School he managed to get his foot in the door!Kenny played in a few bands as a teen and did a brief tour in funk superstar Bootsy Collins's band. In fact, it was Bootsy (Parlaiments, Funkadelics) that labeled Edmonds with the nickname "Babyface" because of his youthful looks. The name stuck to this day.
In 1977, one of Babyface's groups, Manchild, would get signed and release an album the same year. Fellow band member, Darryl Simmons, would eventually form a writing/producing relationship with Babyface that would last for years. The group had one hit "Especially For You" that climbed its way up to #70 on the 1977 R&B charts. After releasing three albums, the group never really took off and broke up.
Manchild - Babyface's Group Gets Signed - 1977
"Especially for You"
Check out Babyface's first recorded hit!
powered by Youtube
Bootsy Collins - The Man Who Named "Babyface"
Bootsy Collins is a funk bassist who gained fame by being part of James Brown's background band known "The JB's." He later joined George Clinton and the Funkadelics. In 1997 he was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Bootsy Collins - Bass Solo
powered by Youtube
Babyface Writes His First Slow Jam - 1983
"Slow Jam"
After Babyface left Manchild, he got many small gigs with several Top 40 R&B groups. In 1983, he got credited with co-writing his first song "Slow Jam" for the R&B band Midnight Star. The song never hit the charts, however it is still played on the radio stations today.
Midnight Star - Slow Jam
Off of the double platinum album "No parking on the dance floor"
powered by Youtube
Antonio "LA" Reid - The Magic Starts
Antonio "LA" Reid loved to play the drums. In high school, he joined several bands and was dedicated to develop his craft. While Antonio was in high school, then-Pittsburgh Pirates player Dave Parker put up the funds for one of Reid's group to record several songs. By the time "LA" was 18, he had two songs being played on the local radio stations.In the early 80's, while Reid was at a Cincinnati recording studio, he met a young looking man by the name of Babyface who was sitting in on the session. Reid and Babyface hit it off instantly and admired and respected each others varying taste in music.
In 1981, Reid founded a group he called Essence. Later after some of the band members left, he changed the group name to The Deele. He called the group The Deele because he said it implied that the group was going to get a record deal. After meeting Babyface, LA invited the left handed guitar player to join the band. Babyface accepted
The Deele - The Breakthough
Shortly after Babyface wrote "Slow Jam" for Midnight Star, The Deele was able to sign with Midnights Star's record label, Solar. The Deele recorded its first hit song "Body Talk" in 1983 off of its debut album. The song hit #3 on the R&B charts and was featured on the first episode of the TV hit show, Miami Vice. The group would end up recording two more albums and would give us R&B hits "Shoot'em up Movies" and the groups most popular song "Two Occasions" which reached #4 on the R&B charts and cracked the top 10 on Billboards Hot 100. The group also recorded the original version of "Sweet November" which would later be covered by the hit R&B group Troop.The group broke up in 1988 when Babyface and Reid decided to leave.
The Deele's Hit Songs
"Body Talk" was the Deele's first hit.
"Two Occasions" was the Deele's biggest hit.
"Sweet November" was a song that the hit group would cover in 1992 and turn into a #1 R&B hit.
"Two Occasions" was the Deele's biggest hit.
"Sweet November" was a song that the hit group would cover in 1992 and turn into a #1 R&B hit.
curated content from YouTube
The Developing of a Song Writer
Babyface and Reid learned a lot about song writing and producing while working with Midnight Star's band members Reggie and Vincent Calloway. The Calloway brothers eventually left their own group and wrote and produced for Gladys Knight and other artists.In 1985, Reid and Babyface moved to Los Angeles and started to gain recognition as great songwriters and producers. They initially started working with other Solar Record Label artists like The Whispers, Shalimar, and Pebbles.
In 1987, they were making hits and provided The Whispers with the R&B #1 hit single "Rock Steady." That same year, Reid's girlfriend and future wife Pebbles, was provided the #1 R&B hit single "Girlfriend."
Reid and Pebbles eventually divorced in 1995.
The Birth of a Solo Career - Lovers
The president of the Solar Record Label, Dick Griffey, recognized Babyface's potential as a solo artist immediately. And even though Babface wanted to eventually start a solo career, he was very busy making hits for other artists. In 1987, besides the many writing/producing projects he had with The Deele and other artists, Babyface launched his debut album "Lovers."
The album was filled with many sexual suggestive songs rather than the romantic ballads we would come accustomed to with Babyface songs. However, the album was a success and brewed four hit singles: "Mary Mack," "Lovers," "If We Try," and "I Love You Babe." "I Love You Babe" became a top 10 R&B hit.
LaFace Records
Although Reid and Babface were making hits, they both felt they were not making enough money. Work-for-hire producers were not getting as Reid states "equity participation." And the only way to get financial participation in the hits they produced was to start a record label.So in 1989, they joined forces with music icon Clive Davis's Arista Records and formed LaFace Records. They ended up moving to Atlanta where they were able to pick from some of the hottest and brightest talents in the South.
As partners, Reid and Babyface started to see strengths in their differences. Babyface became the songwriter, producer, singer and Reid handled the business side and worked behind the scenes. Reid focused on finding new artists and supporting them and took on the title of CEO.
Laface Records released its first album by the duo group Damian Dame in 1991 and had two hits "Exclusivity" and "Right Down To It." In 1992 the record label signed the superstar group TLC and in 1993 Tony Braxton. Babyface worked very hard with TLC and Braxton and carefully selected certain work that helped generate several hit recordings.
The Label would eventually sign some of the best R&B artists in th 1990's including: Az Yet, A Few Good Men, Cee Lo, Ciara, Dolla, Joy Enriquez,Corey Glover, Goodie Mob, Jermaine Jackson, Donell Jones, Outkast, Petey Pablo, Pink, Pressha, Tony Rich, Sam Salter, Shanice, Society of Soul, and Usher.
Towards the end of the 90's LaFace produced fewer artists and Babyface began to focus more on his own music career. LaFace was aquired completley in 2001 by Arista and BMG records.
The LaFace Record Label's Artists
Damian Dame was the first group signed under the LaFace label. Debrah would die in a car accident in 1994 and Bruce (her partner) would die of colon cancer two years later
Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows" would be one of LaFace's biggest singles off of the label
In 1991, Jermaine Jackson signed with Laface and came out with the hit "Word to the Bad" which dissed his brother Michael Jackson really hard.
Outcast would sign with Laface in 1993 and become one of the most successful Hip Hop/Rap artist ever.
TLC, Toni Braxton, and Usher would also sign with the label and would become superstars.
Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows" would be one of LaFace's biggest singles off of the label
In 1991, Jermaine Jackson signed with Laface and came out with the hit "Word to the Bad" which dissed his brother Michael Jackson really hard.
Outcast would sign with Laface in 1993 and become one of the most successful Hip Hop/Rap artist ever.
TLC, Toni Braxton, and Usher would also sign with the label and would become superstars.
curated content from YouTube
R&B Star - Tender Lover
Babyface released his 2nd album in 1989 and it went straight to #1 on the R&B charts. He created four hit singles off the album "Whip Appeal," "My Kinda Girl," "Tender Lover," and "Its No Crime" with the last two reaching #1 on the R&B charts. 1989 Album "Tender Lover"
"Tender Lover" and "It's No Crime" would be Babyface's only #1 hits off of any of his solo albums.
curated content from YouTube
After 7 - Babyface's Brothers Start A Group
With Babyface turning every song to gold, he wanted to give his brothers Melvin and Kevon a shot. Kevon and Keith Mitchell were old college friends who would sing around Indiana and when Babyface decided to give them a try, Keith was brought in also. The brothers and Keith called the group After 7. They were given a few songs Babyface had written and later debuted with their first self-titled album. They signed with Virgin Records based mainly on the reputation of Babyface. The album would be a huge success and produced two #1 R&B hits "Ready or Not" and "Can't Stop.:The group would make two more albums and end up breaking up shortly after the release of the last album. In 1999, Kevon Edmonds would release his solo album "24/7" which was also a big success.
After 7 stills does tours today, however, Keith Mitchell and Melvin are not in the group anymore. Melvin's son Jason, Babyface's nephew, is now in the group.
After 7 Songs
Kevon Edmonds would branch off and do a solo album in 1999
curated content from YouTube
Tracey Edmonds - The Married Life
In Babface's early 20's he was married for about 3 1/2 years to Denise and divorced in 1980. Years later, he meets a model auditioning for a part in the "Whip Appeal" video. In 1992, he marrys this model who we became to know as Tracey Edmonds.Tracey is said to have inspired Babyface to write the many great songs he did throughout the years. She also was there to help create and develop several business ventures.
The marriage ended in 2005 after 13 years. Kenny and Tracey have two boys - Brandon and Dylon. Bayface would end up naming is home studio after his first boy calling it "Brandon's Way."
In 2008, Babyface had a daughter, Peyton, with girfriend Nikki Pattenburg. Nikki was a backup dancer for Babyface and the two started dating in 2007.
In 2006, Tracey starting dating movie star Eddie Murphy in which they got married in 2008. They divorced two weeks later.
In 2006, Tracey starting dating movie star Eddie Murphy in which they got married in 2008. They divorced two weeks later.
Producer of the Year - Boomerang and Boyz II Men
In 1992, Babyface wrote a song "End of the Road" for a new group, Boyz II Men. This song would be featured on the Eddie Murphy movie Boomerang's soundtrack. The song took the R&B world by storm! The song spent a record setting 13 weeks at #1 on the pop charts (breaking Elvis's record) and became one of biggest selling singles of all-time.At the 1993 Grammys, Babyface would win his first pair of Grammys. The first one was for the best R&B song for "End of the Road." The second was for the prestigious Producer of the Year.
Babyface had climbed all the way to the top and now was getting national attention!
Boomerang Soundtrack
"End of The Road" would break Elvis's "Heartbreak Hotel" record for being #1 on the pop charts for 13 consecutive weeks
curated content from YouTube
3rd Album - For The Cool In You
With Babyface climbing the ranks as a great producer and song writer, he still found time to release his third album "For The Cool In You."The album was without the party tunes of previous albums and instead focused on romance ballads. As a result, it ended up selling one million more copies than "Tender Lover" and featured 5 hit singles: "When Can I See You Again," "For The Cool in You," "Never Keeping Secrets," "Rock Bottom," and "And our Feelings."
In 1994, Babyface would win another Grammy for "Best Male R&B Vocal Performance" for the song "When Can I See You Again."
The Bodyguard - 4th Grammy
The song "End of the Road" had its 13 weeks on the pop charts broken barely by Whitney Houston's remake of Dolly Parton's "I'll Will Always Love You." "I'll Will Always Love You" was off of the soundtrack for the Kevin Costner and Houston movie "The Bodyguard."Babyface co-produce the soundtrack and co-wrote the song "Queen of the Night" which appears on the album. The soundtrack was a huge success and eventually became the top selling soundtrack of all time.
In 1993 Babyface won his fourth Grammy for "Album of the Year" for his contribution on "The Bodyguard Soundtrack."
The Bodyguard Trailer
A decent movie that stars Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston.
powered by Youtube
Another R&B Song, Another Grammy
"I'll Make Love To You
Two years after "End of the Road" broke the record for 13 weeks at #1 on the pop charts, Babyface writes another song for Boyz II Men that would break that record."I'll Make Love To You" broke Whitney Houston's song "I'll Always Love You" record by being #1 on the pop charts for 14 consecutive weeks.In 1995, Babyface would win his 5th Grammy for "The Best R&B Song" in "I'll Make Love To You."
The Big Project - Waiting To Exhale
In 1995 Babyface was ambitious as ever! He decided to take on writing and producing a whole soundtrack by himself. In December of 1995, Arista records released the soundtrack for "Waiting to Exhale" in which Babyface wrote and produced 15 of the 16 songs.The soundtrack was a huge success selling over 7 million units. The album contained hits like "Exhale (shoop shoop)," "Sittin Up In My Room," and "I'm Not Gonna Cry."
Babyface would win another Grammy for "Best R&B Song" in "Exhale.".
The project would also help get Babyface's first taste in film making.
Waiting To Exhale - Trailer
powered by Youtube
1996 Olympic Anthem
In 1996 Babyface co-wrote and co-produced a song for Celine Dion to be performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The song was called "Power of the Dream" and became the 1996 Olympic anthem. Celine Dion - Power of the Dream
powered by Youtube
The Million Man March - Joining Forces With The King of Pop
On October 16th, 1995, over a million Black Men gathered in Washington DC to put the needs and issues of black men on top of the nation's agenda. A year later, Spike Lee directed a movie "Get on the Bus" about this historical event.Babyface helped write one of the songs for the movie for the legendary Michael Jackson - "On the Line."
The 4th Solo Album - The Day
In 1996, Babyface produced his 4th solo Album without long time partner "LA" Reid. The album showed growth in Babyface's creative ability and featured big names like Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, LL Cool J, and Kenny G.The album would brew three hits in "This is for the Lover in You," "How Come, How Long," and "Every Time I Close."
Check These R&B Lenses Out!
Phenomenon and Eric Clapton
In 1996, for the Phenomenon Soundtrack, Babyface co-wrote "Change the World" for Eric Clapton. The song ended up being a huge success and in 1996 he won another Grammy for it. Phenomenon Trailer
powered by Youtube
Eric Clapton and Babyface- Change The World
powered by Youtube
Edmonds Entertainment - The Movies
In 1997, Babyface and his wife at the time Tracey Edmonds decided to start a production company focusing on films. They ended up producing movies such as "Soul Food," "Hav Plenty," and "Josie and the Pussycats. The company also worked on some various TV shows.In 2000, Babyface partnered up with Ken Harris, an attorney, to represent professional athletes. They called the company Edmonds Sports Group and focused on signing NFL players.
Josie and the Pussycats Trailer
powered by Youtube
#1 Hit Maker And Three "Producer of the Year" Grammy Awards In A Row
In 1995, 1996, and in 1997, Babyface won a Grammy for "Producer of the Year" and cemented himself as one of the biggest figures in the R&B industry in the 90's. Here is a list of every single #1 pop or R&B song he wrote/produced:#1 Pop Hits
"Every Little Step" - Bobby Brown (1989)
"I'm Your Baby Tonight" - Whitney Houston (1990)
"Baby, Baby, Baby" - TLC (1992)
"End of the Road" - Boyz II Men (1992)
"Humpin' Around" - Bobby Brown (1992)
"Never Forget You" - Mariah Carey (1993)
"I'll Make Love To You" - Boyz II Men (1994)
"Take A Bow" - Madonna (1994)
"Red Light Special" - TLC (1995)
"Diggin' On You" - TLC (1995)
"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" - Whitney Houston (1995)
"Let It Flow" - Toni Braxton (1995)
"Not Gon' Cry" - Mary J Blige (1995)
"Sittin' Up In My Room" - Brandy (1995)
"You're Making Me High" - Toni Braxton (1996)
"I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)" - R. Kelly (1996)
#1 R&B Hits
"Rock Steady" - The Whispers (1987)
"Girlfriend" - Pebbles (1988)
"Don't Be Cruel" - Bobby Brown (1988)
"Dial My Heart" - The Boys (1988)
"Lucky Charm" - The Boys (1988)
"It's No Crime" - Babyface (1989)
"Tender Lover" - Babyface (1989)
"Every Little Step" - Bobby Brown (1989)
"Can't Stop" - After 7 (1989)
"Ready Or Not" - After 7 (1989)
"On Our Own" - Bobby Brown (1989)
"Love Saw It" - Karyn White & Babyface (1989)
"Roses Are Red" - The Mac Band feat. The McCampbell Brothers (1989)
"I'm Your Baby Tonight" - Whitney Houston (1990)
"Superwoman" - Karyn White (1990)
"Giving You The Benefit" - Pebbles (1990)
"Love Makes Things Happen" - Pebbles & Babyface (1990)
"The Way You Love Me" - Karyn White (1990)
"Exclusivity" - Damian Dame (1991)
"End of the Road" - Boyz II Men (1992)
"Baby-Baby-Baby" - TLC (1992)
"My, My, My" - Johnny Gill (1992)
"Humpin' Around" - Bobby Brown (1992)
"Sweet November" - Troop (1992)
"Can We Talk" - Tevin Campbell (1993)
"Seven Whole Days" - Toni Braxton (1993)
"I'll Make Love To You" - Boyz II Men (1994)
"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" - Whitney Houston (1995)
Babyface Blogs
- Ticket box: Concerts going on sale this weekend
- ?Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Tank, 6 pm July 27, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, 215-893-1999. Tickets: $39.75-$129.75, on sale Friday at noon.
- The Mann announces soulful Summer Music Festival
- Five R&B acts will fill the air with soulful sounds when the The Mann presents a Summer Music Festival with Patti Labelle, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The O'Jays and Tank on July 27. The concert, announced today, ...
- Hot tickets: May 15
- LN Summer Music festival starring Maze with Frankie Beverly, Patti Labelle, The O?Jays, Kenny ?Babyface? Edmonds and TANK. 7 pm July 19. Chastain Park Amphitheatre. $55.75-$125.75.LN M. Ward, Lee Ranaldo. 9 pm May 17. Buckhead Theatre. $19. TM.
- Pia Mia chases her dream in LA: Island girl releases her first solo song on iTunes
- The rising star moved to Hollywood with her mother Angela Perez in 2010 but was discovered by the team of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Tony Dixon a year ago. "We're very proud of her and how far she's come," Perez says. "It isn't easy to come from a ...
Trying A New Style - Face2face
In 1998, Babyface came out with a Christmas Album featuring popular Christmas songs like "Drummer Boy."In 2000, "Babyface Greatest Hits" was released. The album obviously featured Babyface's greatest jams but also introduced us to two new songs "Reason For Breathing" and "When Men Grow Old." "Reason for Breathing" hit the R&B charts at 59.
In 2001, Babyface released his next solo album "Face2fFace." The album was an attempt for Babyface to try a new upbeat style and move a little away from his trademark ballads. Most critics (and myself) were not in favor of the new style. In any case, the album made two singles "There She Goes" and "What if."
What Is Your Favorie Babyface Album
Vote in this Babyface Poll
Loading poll. Please Wait...
2000 Babyface - Grown and Sexy
In 2005 Babyface released another solo album, "Grown and Sexy." In this album, Babyface goes back to his romantic ballads and gives us three hits "Loneliness," "Grown & Sexy," and "Sorry For The Stupid Things."In 2007 Babyface would release "Playlist" which features covers of old songs like "Fire and Rain" and two original songs.
![The Loneliness<br />
by Babyface<br />
<br />
[Verse 1]<br />
Im sitting here<br />
Thinking bout<br />
How im gon-na do without<br />
You aro](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/a3-EJTPoupU/0.jpg "babyface - the loneliness")
Thank You Babyface!
All my life I have relied on music to make me smile or just to get me though the tough times. It's hard to imagine R&B or even life without Babyface's music.If you research You Tube or other music forums, you will see similar comments on many of Babyfaces works, " you just don't hear good music like that anymore."
In 2008, Babyface released his single "I need a love song" which he sings what every R&B fan is thinking - We need another good R&B song!
WE ARE WAITING BABYFACE...
"Whatever you do, have fun with it, try to make sure that it's quality, and something you don't mind putting your name on" - Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Babyface - I Need A Love Song
powered by Youtube
Reader Feedback
What ya think?
-
-
skilly
Oct 3, 2009 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Great Lens. Very informative. 5 stars.
-
-
-
science_fiction_novels_cyberpunk Oct 3, 2009 @ 6:11 am | delete
- Informative and complete lens. Very interesting. 5 stars!
-
-
-
Pukeko
Oct 2, 2009 @ 2:04 am | delete
- It's fun to read lens about something I knew nothing about.
-
-
-
JenOfChicago
Oct 1, 2009 @ 11:45 am | delete
- Great first lens!
-
-
-
JessicaRabb
Sep 30, 2009 @ 7:43 pm | delete
- omg wow i didnt know babyface was the one singing tender love. how didnt i not know that. But then again i didnt know his brothers were in after7. I love after7!!!! i discovered after7 by accident when i was like 10-13yrs old. i give it a 5
-
- Load More
by Jason211
I'm a big fan of great music!
- 1 featured lens
- Winner of 5 trophies!
- Top lens » Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Top 20 Female Singers Top 20 Female Singers
- The Supremes in the 1970s The Supremes in the 1970s
- R&B and Soul Photos R&B and Soul Photos
- My Motown Music Favourites My Motown Music Favourites
- Original Album Classics CD Box Sets Original Album Classics CD Box Sets
- Dellgirl's Music Lensography Dellgirl's Music Lensography
