Peggi Blu | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Peggi Blu |
| Also known as | Peggy Blue, Peggi Blue, Peggy Blu |
| Born | Lumberton, North Carolina, United States |
| Genres | R&B pop disco jazz soul |
| Occupations | Singer actress vocal coach |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Labels | MCA Capitol Expansion |
| Website | www |
Peggi Blu is an American actress, singer and vocal coach. She was the 1986 'Star Search Grand Champion (Female Vocalist)'[1] and the winner of the 2013 Malibu Music Awards ('Vocal Coach of the Year').[2] She is best known as an American Idol vocal coach.[3]
Blu was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, and began singing at the age of three. A relocation to New York city at the age of 14 with her uncle Bishop Walter L. Benton and his choir opened the way to her professional career. Due to constant bookings and a demand for her vocals she was home-schooled.
Her career as a session background singer began in 1973 with Archie Shepp's "Rest Enough (Song To Mother)",[4] from his "The Cry Of My People" album. Session work continued throughout the 1970s with artists such as Elkie Brooks, Esther Phillips, and Louis Farrakhan.[5]
In the mid-1970s, Blu toured with Louise Bethune and Dee Dee Kenniebrew billed as The Crystals.
In 1980, she landed her first major label contract with MCA Records.
In 1987, the album Blu Blowin' produced two minor R&B/hip hop hits with "Tender Moments" and '"All The Way With You".[6]
In September 2002, Blu released her third album, Livin' On Love, on Expansion Records.[7] In 2006, Blu was featured on the short-lived ABC TV show "Miracle Workers" alongside good friend Charles Valentino.[8] In 2007, Blu did backing vocals and vocal arrangements for the soundtrack to Adam Sandler's I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.[citation needed]
In 2010, Blu recorded with Danish/German duo Cool Million on their album Back For More,[9] which led to her appearance on their 2012 album III. In 2011–2012, Blu was a judge and vocal coach on American Idol.[10]
