Disco diva who gained fame for iconic songs such as "Lady Marmalade" and "New Attitude," which became a #1 hit on the Hot Dance Music chart in 1985.
She listened to jazz and doo-wop and sang a solo at Beulah Baptist Church when she was twelve. Her mother adopted Claudette Grant, who would become her best friend.
Her songs "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up" energized the Beverly Hills Cop Soundtrack in 1984.
She married Armstead Edwards on July 23, 1969 and divorced him on January 1, 2000. They had three sons named Zuri, Todd and Stanley together.
She was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "On My Own," which she sang with Michael McDonald.
