Jessica Cleaves
| Jessica Cleaves | |
|---|---|
| Born |
December 10, 1948 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died |
May 2, 2014 (aged 65) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, pop, soul, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Associated acts | The Friends of Distinction, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Raw Silk |
| Website |
jessicacleaves |
Jessica Marguerite Cleaves (December 10, 1948 – May 2, 2014) was an American singer and songwriter. Cleaves was lead singer for The Friends of Distinction in the 1960s.[1][2]
Early life
Jessica Cleaves was born to Mary Gladys Cleaves (née Wilkerson), a librarian, and Lane C. Cleaves II, a US Postal employee. Cleaves' paternal grandfather, Lane C. Cleaves Sr., was Presiding Bishop over Phillips Temple, CME.[3]
Career
The Friends of Distinction was founded by Harry Elston and Floyd Butler, and beside Cleaves, it included Barbara Jean Love (plus Charlene Gibson, who replaced Love during her pregnancy).
During the 1970s, Cleaves performed and recorded with Earth, Wind & Fire. She later moved to Detroit where she joined forces with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic[4] for several recordings, including Computer Games, R&B Skeletons in the Closet and Dope Dogs.[5]
Cleaves died in Los Angeles, California, aged 65, following complications from a stroke.[5] Her godson, director Armand Araujo, began filming Jessica Cleaves, My Friends of Distinction at the time of her passing.[5]
Charts
Grazing in the Grass
US Billboard Hot 100
- Peak Position 3
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles
- Peak Position 5
References
- ↑ Lytle, Craig. "Biography: The Friends of Distinction". AMG. Retrieved May 18, 2010.
- ↑ "Former Earth Wind & Fire and Friends of Distinction singer Jessica Cleaves dies at age 65". SoulTracks. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
- ↑ Robert J. Carmack, "Rest in Love & Peace - Jessica Cleaves 1948-2014", Hipster Sanctuary, May 2, 2014.
- ↑ Bates, Karen Grigsby (May 5, 2014). "Jessica Cleaves: A Silky, Soulful — And Funky — Voice Goes Silent". NPR. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Soul Singer Jessica Cleaves Dies at 65", Variety, May 7, 2014.