Brenda K Starr

Brenda K Starr was born on October 15, 1966 in New York, New York, USA. Born to a Jewish father and a Puerto Rican mother, Brenda K. Starr became one of the biggest names in freestyle music during the 1980's. Scoring a number one hit single with her song "I Still Believe," Brenda occasionally did film work before becoming a name in urban dance music. Brenda is famous for discovering singer Mariah Carey. Mariah, a friend of Brenda's, was a backup singer at the time. Brenda recorded a demo of Mariah's work, and forwarded to Sony Music Head Tommy Mottola. The rest is history and later Mariah married Mottola (they divorced after a few years). Mariah covered Brenda's hit "I Still Believe" on her first album

Brenda K. Starr started her career by making a demo of Stacy Lattisaw's "Love On A Two Way Street". She started hanging out in places where she felt someone was bound to hear her. In the early 80's, Brenda then helped out picking up cups at a local roller skating rink in NYC, where she bumped into Harry Bellafonte. She then landed a dancing & singing role in his 1984 breakdancing film: "Beat Street". Not long after, at the age of 16, she was signed to Mirage Records, & released her 1985 debut album "I Want Your Love", which included the Freestyle classic "Pickin' Up Pieces", as well as "Suspicion", & the title track that was a remake of Chic's Disco hit.

Brenda then was signed to MCA Records in 1986, & shortly after released her 2nd album in 1987 simply titled "Brenda K. Starr". This album turned Brenda into an international star & she got to tour with many artists including New Kids On The Block. The album contained the singles "What You See Is What You Get", "Breakfast In Bed", & the Billboard Top-Ten ballad hit "I Still Beleive".

It also had the Freestyle jam "Over & Over" which was later re-done by Pajama Party in 1989, & "You Should Be Loving Me" which appeared on the soundtrack & movie "She's Out Of Control" starring Tony Danza.
Brenda also had a song called "Sata" in the film & soundtrack to "Lambada".

Around this time, she had become great friends with her then back-up singer & godmother to her 1st daughter, Mariah Carey. As many know, Brenda is in part responsible for Mariah's career, & Mariah thanks her mentor on her 1999 "#1's" album, as well as remakes "I Still Beleive". Brenda appeared with Mariah a few times throughout her "#1's Tour".

In 1990, Brenda does a duet with fellow Freestyle artist George Lamond titled "No Matter What" for his album. The song would later be remade by Latin/Salsa group DLG. She signed with Epic Records in 1991 & released her 3rd album "By Heart". It diddnt do as well commercially, but contained the single "If You Could Read My Mind". Taking a break from full-length albums, Brenda released various singles during the mid 90's.

Some of which were a jumpin' Latin-House version of the classic "Cuba" (with El Mariachi), featured vocalist on Hip-Hop/Reggae star Mad Lion's single "Double Trouble", (both in 1996), & in 1997, the smooth electro-trance-breakbeat "Only Love" for the "Dance-Trip 2000" compilation.

Between the last 2 singles, Brenda made a dramatic change... she switched to Salsa music!
Releasing her 1st Latin album "Te Sigo Esperando", she soared back up on the charts & was introduced to new fans. This album is probably one of her best, which had "Herida", & No Necesito". The string of hits continued in 1998 when she released her 2nd Salsa album "No Lo Voy Olvidar", which has "Si Me Preguntan Por Ti", & a Spanglish Salsa version of "I Still Beleive".

Her 3rd Latin album "Petalos De Fuego" (2000) was an ok effort, & included a cover of Billy Joel's "Honesty". In 2000, she released a Dance-Techno-House maxi-single "Hold Me" on an independent label, which got major club play internationally. Now on the Sony Music label, Brenda is back with her 'still-hott' 2002/2003 Latin release "Temptation". One of her best albums to date, it has many great numbers in both English & Spanish, ...including the hit "Por Ese Hombre" with Salsa greats Tito Nieves & Victor Manuelle, and her version of the song that started it all: "Love On A Two Way Street"! Also now available is another CD titled: "All Time Greatest Hits", along with a DVD of the same title that features all her Salsa music video hits. No one knows what to expect of this Puerto Rican-Jewish Diva next, but im pretty sure it's gonna be good!