When Cheryl Pepsii Riley released “Thanks for My Child” in the late ‘80’s she solidified her voice in our hearts forever. The passion behind the lyrics touched such a chord that the song became not only a number one single, but an anthem for women that still vibrates within our spirits to this day. We recognized the Brooklyn, New York native as an angelic songbird with staying power. Singer, songwriter and producer, Cheryl Pepsii Riley proved us correct.
Today her voice is still very much a part of our musical landscape. Her melodious magic is evidenced in Tyler Perry’s many blockbuster plays and movie soundtracks, her independent CD releases, and every Monday night even, at the Village Underground in New York where for over five years now, she has hosted one of the city’s hottest indie artists jam sessions! Cheryl Pepsii Riley is a contender. The music business may have changed, but she has evolved with it!
Cheryl has maintained and grown her fan base over the years by broadening her realm and acting in numerous popular gospel / inspirational plays. To date, she has over 14 national touring plays to her credit, including several with the award-winning king of the genre, Tyler Perry.
Cheryl has also provided vocals on several of Tyler Perry’s film soundtracks. In fact, it was Cheryl’s voice that rocked the house as Tariji P. Henson lip-synced her dramatic club scenes in Perry’s film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” Coming Soon, the DVD release of Tyler Perry’s “Madea Gets A Job” in which Cheryl takes the stage as Carla, endearing audiences with her multi-octave range and her Stand Out Concert performance at the end of the show singing Aretha Franklin's Dr. FeelGood! Riley’s history with Perry spans multiple DVD stage play releases including “Why Did I Get Married,” “Madea Goes to Jail,” “Madea’s Class Reunion,” and "Madea's Big Happy Family."
On her last CD, “Let Me Be Me”, Ms Riley took us all on a journey with a seductive serving of originals that ride the terrain of jazzy funk, bluesy rock and gospel tinged R&B. NOW, Cheryl is back with an Upbeat, Romantic, Fun, and Bouncy Jam titled "I Need You To Know". A catchy, feel good song reflecting the Beauty of Friends turned Soul Mates.
She is putting the finishing touches on her new CD but she wanted to share this first single with the world because, as she says, "Love and Real Music are Never Out of Style" and "I Need You To Know" gives you that from the first note!
New Yorker’s get to experience the creativity of Cheryl Pepsii Riley first hand every Monday night at the Village Underground where she hosts her “Black Velvet Mondays.” The showcase is celebrating five plus years, as musicians from around the world have dropped in to grace the stage. The showcase streams live( www.TheVillageUnderground.com ) and bridges the gap between the old school and new school as artists and musicians come to perform, network and inspire.
“’Black Velvet Mondays’ is My Baby,” reveals Riley. “The energy every Monday is amazing. We are a safe and beautiful haven for artists creativity. Our five years and counting, is a testimony to the appreciation. God has truly blessed me with this gift of song and it is with great joy and humility, that I get to give back to others. I envisioned ‘Black Velvet Mondays’ as my way of giving back to the youth and All who continue to dream of careers in this industry. We present them with an opportunity to grow, shed, learn and get an education about this business. And as a platform, our Monday nights keeps growing and growing! With my touring, recording and the weekly night sessions, I am just blessed to have so many artistic avenues for expression. ”
When not on the road touring with Tyler Perry, Cheryl Pepsii Riley tours and performs with her band, Hot Chocolate, Who are Definitely a Force to be reckoned with. So look out for her in your town Soon. After hearing this single you will definitely want MORE!
To explore the musical realm that is Cheryl Pepsii Riley, join her at http://CherylPepsiiRiley.com, follow her on Twitter http://www.Twitter.com/CherylPepsii, and friend her on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/Cheryl Pepsii Riley .
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