Elisabeth Withers

Elisabeth Withers
Also known asElle Patrice
Born (1970-02-27) February 27, 1970 (age 54)
Joliet, Illinois, US
GenresNeo soul, R&B, jazz
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
LabelsBlue Note Records

Elisabeth Withers is an American neo soul and R&B singer-songwriter.

Biography

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Withers was born in Joliet, Illinois, and studied at the Berklee College of Music and then at New York University.[1] She sang as a backup vocalist for Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez, among others, and released several dance singles under the name Elle Patrice, including "Rising" and "Emotions". After hearing these singles, Nick Ashford asked her to audition for a Broadway production of The Color Purple, where she won the part of Shug Avery.[2][3] Her performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical nomination at the 60th Tony Awards. As a neo soul singer, Withers signed with Blue Note Records in 2005. In 2007, she released a full-length album on Blue Note Records. She performed on the PBS television show Between the Lions, a puppet educational show as a member of Fonix, singing backup and leading vocals.

Discography

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Studio albums
Singles
  • "Be With You" (2006) U.S. R&B No. 43[4]
  • "Simple Things" (2007) U.S. R&B No. 53

References

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  1. ^ Matt Collar, ( Elisabeth Withers > Biography ) Allmusic.com.
  2. ^ "Elisabeth Withers Biography" Archived July 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine starpulse.com. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  3. ^ "Elisabeth Withers-Mendes". Playbill. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  4. ^ Singles, Allmusic
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