Music Feed: Going Solo

We love them primarily for leading some of the most popular musical groups in the world. We also love them as solo acts. It was as solo acts that many of these artists became bonafide superstars. Their stories are all very similar. Early on these stars were being touted for future solo careers. In retrospect its a good thing but its also a bad thing. It has been one of the many reasons for discord between bands. Its the frequent spotlight on one star that has been difficult for other band mates to adjust to. Discover some of these stars and their origins prior to becoming solo acts.

Beyonce
Clearly Beyonce is one of the worlds' biggest and most recognizable stars. Early on who knew that Beyonce was destined to blow beyond even her wildest dreams. As Destiny's Child became more successful so did Beyonce. It
was then that the rumors her solo career started. In 2003 Beyonce took the world by storm with her debut album,
"Dangerously In Love". Since then Beyonce has released two other successful solo albums and got married to Jay-Z.

Justin Timberlake
- Similar to Beyonce, Justin Timberlake found success in one of the biggest boy bands in the world; N'Sync. Of course Justin stood out amongst his band mates with a precious innocent and a head full of curly hair. 2002 saw Justin's debut, "Justified" and four years later in 2006 with "FutureSex/LoveSounds". Justin has morphed into quite the head turner gracing numerous collaborations and keeping the tabloids ablaze with his Hollywood romances.

Diana Ross
- She is said to be one of the most successful artist's in music history. She fronted Motown's own, The Supremes before embarking on a solo career in 1970. Diana Ross set the standard in what's expected in both a Pop and R&B diva. Some say she even invented the word "diva". Years after her initial beginning, Diana Ross' influence can still been seen and heard today in many of our contemporaries.

Patti Labelle
- Rolling Stone magazine just named her as one of the greatest voices ever and that's certainly no lie! With a voice that will make your hair stand on end, Patti LaBelle fronted not one but two groups(Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles and LaBelle). When she began her solo career many years ago Patti had her share of doubters but she eventually rose to the occasion. Over the years she has produced hit singles, movies, TV shows, books, and much more.

Kelly Rowland
- Some say she is a better singer or let's say she's more preferred over Destiny's Child band mate Beyonce. You wouldn't think so with the legions of fans who adore Beyonce. In 2003 Kelly Rowland released her debut album, "Simply Deep". She has produced a hit or two here in the states but overseas she is a phenomenon and rightfully so. These days Kelly is working on a new album and continuing to dominate overseas and hopefully in the states.

Michelle Williams
- She, like Kelly Rowland(of Destiny's Child) stepped out of Beyonce's shadow not 1 but 3 times with various albums to her catalog. Of course it's never easy for a band mate to go solo but Michelle found success with #1 albums and singles. These days Michelle recently released her "Unexpected" album and it definitely lived up to its title.

Slim
- No one has a more distinctive voice than 112's Slim. He fronted 112 and can be heard singing on the majority if not all of their hits. Once 112 parted ways, Slim pursued a solo career as did his other band mates. Luckily for him he scored a huge hit with "So Fly" and his debut album, "Love's Crazy" was recently released.

Lionel Richie
- He was one of the founding members of the group The Commodores. Once Lionel Richie went solo he was like the Ne-Yo or Babyface of the 1980s. Not only did he write hits for himself but a legion of other artists.

Smokey Robinson
- Blue eyed soul artist Smokey Robinson was apart of the group The Miracles before branching off solo. As a solo artist Robinson hold the distinction of having many of his classics remade and sampled by many of today's contemporary artists.

Chaka Khan
- She was the lead singer of the group Rufus. She released her debut album, "Naughty" many years ago and over the years Chaka has become a R&B icon. When new artists list their influences Chaka's name happens to always be mentioned. Rightfully so it should because she deserves all the accolades she receives.