Chevelle Franklin

b. 1976, Spanish Town, Jamaica, West Indies. Franklin came from a large family and left school at an early age. She demonstrated her singing skills whenever the opportunity arose, and was eventually noticed by Winston Riley, who recorded her performing a cover version of Janet Jackson’s ‘Let’s Wait A While’. Franklin’s initial recording did not make a significant impression on the reggae charts but her determination led to an association with Brian And Tony Gold, and the result was a Jamaican number 1 hit with ‘Here I Am’. It was through Brian and Tony that Franklin teamed up with Home T and Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon, where her international reputation grew. In 1992 Franklin was asked to record Deborahe Glasgow’s ‘Champion Lover’, which was covered by Shabba Ranks as ‘Mr Loverman’. Shabba’s success led to a major label signing and a decision to re-record versions of his earlier hits. Franklin was drafted in for the challenging task of emulating Glasgow’s fine vocals, which, despite the predictable opposition, she accomplished. The song was released in 1992 but found success two years later upon its re-release, when it featured in the film Deep Cover. A year later, Franklin released ‘Ooh Ah’, through Buju Banton’s Cell Block 321 label. Franklin continues to record both as a soloist and in combination; she performed with Spragga Benz on his ‘A1 Lover’, with Daddy Lizard on ‘Wait Until Tonight’, and with Lady G on a series of classic songs, including ‘Love And Hate’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘The Real Slam’. Her solo hits include ‘Heart Of Mine’, ‘Wanna Be Down’, ‘Bending Knees’ and the semi-autobiographical ‘Mama Are You Proud’.