R. Kelly
b. Robert Kelly, c.1969, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Dance/R&B artist who made his first impact with the release of a debut album in 1991, with his band, Public Announcement. Kelly grew up in the housing projects of Chicago's South Side, but channelled his energies away from fast money-making schemes and into long-term musicianship. He had a natural flair for most instruments, eventually becoming, more by accident than design, a useful busking act. It earned the young Kelly a living, until constant police disruptions forced him to reconsider his employment. He put together the R&B group MGM, and went on to win a national talent contest on the 'Big Break' television show, hosted by Natalie Cole. Unfortunately, that group's energy dissipated, and his next major break came when manager Barry Hankerson spotted him while auditioning for a play at the Regal Theatre in Chicago. He soon had Kelly acting as musical co-ordinator/producer for a slew of acts, including Gladys Knight, David Peaston, Aaliyah and the Hi-Five (who scored a number 1 single, Quality Time, with Kelly at the controls). His diversity was confirmed by his work with the Winans gospel family, notably a duet with Ronald Winans on That Extra Mile. However, all this would be surpassed by the success of his second album, which stayed on top of the R&B charts for all of nine weeks. Two huge singles were included on the set, the tearaway hits She's Got That Vibe and Bump 'N Grind. As if from nowhere, despite a long apprenticeship, Kelly seemed to have acquired the Midas touch.