Today's playlist. This 28th installment features "Shanice Wilson."
I bought it at Flash Disc Ranch, my favorite record store in Shimokitazawa.
This is a record store I've been going to ever since I started living in Setagaya. Their point card, which is valid as long as the store exists, is popular for its insane system: once you collect 50 stamps, you get 50% off any number of records under 15,000 yen.
Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox: Her Brilliant Career and Charm
Shanice Lorraine Wilson-Knox (née Wilson) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer born on May 14, 1973. She rose to fame with her Billboard hit singles "I Love Your Smile" and "Silent Prayer" in 1991, and "Saving Forever for You" in 1993. In 1999, she again had a hit with "When I Close My Eyes," which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Shanice is known for her beautiful coloratura soprano voice and her ability to sing in the whistle register.
Early Life
Shanice was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Los Angeles with her mother, Crystal, and aunt, Penny. Her mother and aunt moved to Los Angeles to pursue careers in the music industry, and later established "Crystal Penny," a management company, to nurture Shanice's talent. At the age of nine, Shanice appeared in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial alongside jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. In 1984, she joined the regular cast of the children's show "Kids Incorporated," competed in "Star Search" at age 11, and then signed with A&M Records.
Recording Career
In 1987, at the age of 14, she released her debut album "Discovery" through A&M Records, which spawned the top ten R&B hits "(Baby Tell Me) Can You Dance" and "No ½ Steppin'." In the summer of 1990, she signed with Motown Records, and in late 1991, she released the album "Inner Child," which included her signature song "I Love Your Smile." This song reached the top ten in 22 countries, ranked number one on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1994, she released the album "21... Ways to Grow," then signed with LaFace Records in 1997 and released the album "Shanice" in 1999. Furthermore, she contributed to various movie soundtracks, providing numerous songs, including the hit "Saving Forever for You" from the "Beverly Hills, 90210" soundtrack.
Acting and Other Activities
In addition to her singing career, Shanice has also had a successful career as an actress. She appeared in the "Family Matters" season 5 episode "Rock Enroll" and, in 2001, performed as a singer on her husband Flex's television show "One on One." That same year, she starred in the television movie "One Special Moment."
In 1997, she became the first Black performer to play the role of Eponine in the Broadway production of the musical "Les Misérables." In 2011, she participated in the "Divas Simply Singing" HIV/AIDS charity event and also appeared with Flex in the reality show "Flex & Shanice."
Personal Life
On February 19, 2000, Shanice married actor and comedian Flex Alexander. They have two children: daughter Imani Shekinah Knox (born August 23, 2001) and son Elijah Alexander Knox (born March 5, 2004).
Shanice continues to be loved by many fans through her diverse talents and wide-ranging activities.
At WAITER-U, we select not only camping gear but also music, books, and movies.
We also create playlists on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to them on your way to a camping trip.
