Angela Winbush is a multi-talented American artist who is known as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.
As a solo artist and as part of the duo René & Angela, she is known for her soulful voice and smooth R&B hits.
She has also written and produced songs for notable artists such as Janet Jackson, The Isley Brothers, and Stephanie Mills.
With over 10 million albums and singles sold worldwide, Angela Winbush is one of the most successful and influential female artists in music.
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- Full name: Angela Lisa Wimbush
- Date of Birth: January 18, 1955
- Age: 69
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, musician, producer
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Parents: Daniel and Barbara Wimbush
- Siblings: Two brothers and one sister
- Spouse: Ronald Isley (married 1993-2002)
- Children: None
- Relationship status: Single
- Net worth: $4 million
Early life and education
Angela Wimbush was born on January 18, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children of Daniel Wimbush, a construction worker, and Barbara Wimbush, a nurse.
She grew up in a musical family and began singing in the church choir at an early age. She also taught herself to play the piano and organ.
She attended Northwestern High School, where she was a member of the school’s band and choir. She graduated in 1973 and received a scholarship to study at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
At Howard University, she majored in architecture but later switched to music education. She also joined a gospel group “Hot tea” Led by renowned songwriter and singer Richard Smallwood.
She sang with the band for four years and performed at venues including the Kennedy Center and the White House.
She also met another singer-songwriter, Rene Moore, who became her musical partner and later her boyfriend. They graduated from Howard University in 1977 and moved to Los Angeles to continue their music careers.
Personal life
Angela Wimbush had several relationships throughout her life, but none of them lasted long. She dated Rene Moore for several years, but the two separated in 1986 due to personal and professional differences.
She also had a brief relationship with rapper and producer Kurtis Blow in the early 1980s. In 1993, she married Isley Brothers lead singer Ronald Isley.
They married in a lavish ceremony at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. They collaborated on several songs and albums, and Angela became a stepmother to Ronald’s three children from his previous marriage. However, their marriage was unhappy, and they divorced in 2002.
Angela accused Ronald of being abusive, controlling, and unfaithful. She also claimed he owed her millions of dollars in royalties and alimony. She has never remarried since and has no children of her own.
Profession
Angela Winbush began her professional music career as a backup singer for Stevie Wonder, who became her mentor and friend.
He introduced her to Rene Moore, and the two formed the duo René & Angela in 1980. They signed with Capitol Records and released their debut album René & Angela that same year.
They had several R&B hits, e.g. “I Love You More”, “Your Smile”, “Save Your Love (No. 1)”” and”You don’t have to cry.” They have also written and produced songs for artists such as Stephanie Mills, The Isley Brothers, Janet Jackson, Sheena Easton and Lala Hathaway.
They were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Duo or Group Performance in 1986 “Your smile.”
Angela Wimbush launched her solo career in 1987 with the album Sharp, which included the No. 1 R&B single “Angel”
She also participated in the writing and production of this song ‘Solid as a rock’ The song she wrote for Whispers became a No. 1 single on the R&B and pop charts, and she released two more solo albums, The Real Thing in 1989 and Angela Winbush in 1994.
She also worked with Ronald Isley on his solo albums, e.g. Spend the Night (1989), Smooth Sailin’ (1990) and Tracks of Life (1992)She also appeared on albums by the Isley Brothers, such as Mission to Please (1996) and Forever (2001).
Angela Winbush was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy.
After her recovery, she resumed her musical activities, performing live and working on a new album. In 1990, she founded her own production company, Angela Winbush Productions. She also owns a publishing company, Winbush Music, and a record label, A Winbush Production.
Awards
Angela Wimbush has won several awards and honors for her musical achievements, such as:
- In 1988, he won the American Society of Composers, Authors and Writers (ASCAP) Rhythm and Soul Music Award for Best R&B/Hip-Hop Song for “Rock Steady”.
- In 1988, she won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Female Single for “Angel.”
- In 1988, Sharp won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album (Female).
- 1989 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Woman Artist.
- 1990 American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Vocalist.
- In 2004, he received an honorary doctorate in music from Howard University.
- Inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2007.
net worth
Angela Winbush has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Most of her wealth comes from her music career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.
dispute
Angela Winbush was involved in several controversies and scandals during her lifetime, such as:
- Her divorce from Ronald Isley was contentious, citing allegations of domestic violence, infidelity, and financial disputes. In 2004, she sued him for $15 million, claiming he owed her royalties and alimony. The two settled out of court in 2007.
- She feuded with Rene Moore, who accused her of stealing his songs and credit. In 1988, Moore sued her for $20 million. In 1989, they had a physical altercation at a recording studio that left Angela hospitalized. The two settled out of court in 1992.
- She was involved in a legal battle with Capitol Records, which sued her for breach of contract in 1991. The company claimed that she had failed to deliver the required number of albums and singles. She countersued for $10 million, alleging that the company had mismanaged her career and interfered with her creative freedom. The two settled out of court in 1993.
Social Media
- Instagram: @angelawinbush
- Twitter: @angelawinbush
Filmography
- The facts of life
- New attitude
- The Fresh Prince of Belial
- Unsung Heroes
- Soul Train: America’s Most Stylish Tour
- Soul Figure
Discography
- Angel
- Hello dear
- Solid as a rock
- This is the real thing
- No more tears
- Let go of your worries
- Treat you well
- Inner City Blues
- It’s so good that I don’t want to let you go
