CeCe Peniston Discusses New Music in UB Soul Friday Interview
UB Soul Friday shines a spotlight on the renowned 90s icon CeCe Peniston, whose single “Finally” made history as one of the biggest dance records. This weekly feature is dedicated to celebrating artists, albums, singles, and videos that have left an indelible mark on R&B and Soul music.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, CeCe Peniston has had the honor of performing for distinguished personalities such as the late Aretha Franklin, Pope John Paul II, and in South Africa as the first female entertainer post-apartheid, preceding Whitney Houston. Her passion for music ignited in her youth, culminating in a serendipitous lead role in a school production that unveiled her vocal prowess to her mother.
Throughout her teenage years, CeCe’s talent blossomed through various performances, talent shows, and pageants in Phoenix. Demonstrating resilience and talent, she landed a role in the local production of Bubbling Brown Sugar while still in high school. Subsequent achievements included winning Miss Black Arizona in 1989 and the national Miss Galaxy Pageant in 1990, experiences that provided her with poise, stage presence, and a glimpse into the world of celebrity.
A pivotal moment in CeCe’s career came when hip hop/dance producer Felipe Delgado recognized her potential and offered her a record deal after listening to her background vocals on a project. This led to her debut single “Finally” in 1991, which catapulted her into the global music scene. The infectious beat and captivating vocals of “Finally” solidified CeCe’s status as a music sensation, realizing her lifelong dream of attaining stardom.
“Finally” achieved remarkable success by reaching #1 on the Billboard charts and earning multi-platinum status worldwide. It firmly established CeCe as a premier dance artist and marked the beginning of a string of hits that dominated the dance music scene. With five major #1 hits in just three years, CeCe Peniston proved her mettle beyond being a one-hit wonder, with tracks like “We Got A Love Thang,” “Keep On Walkin’,” and “Lifetime To Love” making waves on the charts.
In addition to her chart-topping singles, CeCe’s repertoire includes critically acclaimed tracks like “Inside That I Cried,” “Crazy Love,” and collaborations with respected artists like JoJo of Jodeci. Nominated for multiple Billboard Music Awards, CeCe’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, with her remarkable vocals, compelling performances, and enduring dance anthems solidifying her as an icon in the world of R&B and Soul music.