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Keke Wyatt

Ke'Tara Shavon "KeKe" Wyatt (born March 10, 1982)[1] is an American singer-songwriter and television personality. After performing in a number of girl bands and working as a songwriter during her teenage years, in 2000 she garnered national attention after her successful collaboration with fellow R&B singer Avant,[2] In 2001 her rendition of "Nothing in This World" led to a nomination for the Best New R&B/Soul/Rap Artist award at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.[3] After a number of charting collaborations and solo releases, in 2012 she starred as a cast member in TV One's R&B Divas: Atlanta, which featured the lives of five 1990s chart-topping R&B singers.[4] She was featured in all 3 seasons of the show. She also performed with the group at events such as Essence Music Festival.[5]

KeKe Wyatt
Birth nameKe'Tara Shavon Wyatt
Born (1982-03-10) March 10, 1982 (age 42)
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul, gospel
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • television personality
InstrumentsVocals, drums, keyboards
Years active1990–present
LabelsMCA (2001–2004)
Cash Money/Universal (2004–2006)
TVT (2006–2008)
Shanachie (2009–2013)
Aratek Entertainment/ Fontana (2012–present)
WebsiteOfficial Twitter

In her career, Wyatt released official studio albums, including Soul Sista (2001), Who Knew? (2010), Unbelievable (2011), and her latest and recent release, Rated Love (2016). All of these albums charted prominently on Billboard, as did her first and only EP release, Ke'Ke' (2014).[6] Wyatt has also released a number of charting singles,[6] with the lead single "Sexy Song" from the album Rated Love peaking at number 29 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[6] After getting involved with a number of non-profits, Wyatt served as a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).[7]

Early life and education edit

Wyatt was born March 10, 1982, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Lorna Wyatt, a vocalist and Keever Wyatt II, an organist and also a vocalist. Ke'Tara "Keke" Wyatt was raised in a musical family rooted in gospel music.[1][8] She has four brothers.[1] Despite her religious background, Wyatt was also exposed to Contemporary R&B and secular music,[9] and she would perform with her vocals in genres as diverse as gospel, pop and opera.[9] Wyatt began singing at the age of 2, experiencing her first live show by the age of 5.[9][10] While of mixed white and black heritage, Wyatt and her four brothers, who were raised in a predominantly African-American household and community setting,[1][10][11] identify as African-American.[1] Wyatt grew up in Indianapolis, but also spent time in both Kentucky and Texas. She attended high school in Indianapolis, where she was a member of her high school's varsity wrestling team.[12][13] As she grew, her musical tastes were influenced by the likes of R&B greats like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Ella Fitzgerald.[9] Inspired by many preceding musical greats, Wyatt found herself performing with various girl groups as a teen.[2] She was often recognized for a maturity exceeding her teenage years.[1]

Career edit

1992–1999: Early singing and songwriting edit

Wyatt's professional career began at the age of ten, when she began recording a song, called "What If", which would be included on a gospel compilation album for Indianapolis-based R.H. Duncan. With growing buzz surrounding "the little girl who could sing", news of Wyatt's talent led her to encounter with these artists from the likes of Bill Woodson, Nathan Alexander, Billy Badd, Chris Kelly, and multi-platinum producer, composer Jorge Corante and Emmanuel Officer.[2] During the years of adolescence, Wyatt became as a student of a school by the Chicago-based producer and songwriter Steve "Stone" Huff.[2] Huff eventually produced and shopped a few of Wyatt's demos in hopes of landing her a record deal.[2][8] During her mid-teens, she performed demo songs for various gospel labels, earning around $1,500 per recording. During that time, Keke extended her skills by also writing music as a teenager, and while she was writing some music, Keke would experience her first coldly dealt disappointment as a music industry professional. She wrote the majority of the lyrics for a hit song but received no credit for her work.[1]

2000–2002: First hit single, Breakthrough and debut album Soul Sista edit

At age 15, Wyatt recorded "My First Love" with Avant which was released two years later, eventually becoming a single for his album entitled My Thoughts. Wyatt gained much notoriety for the remake of the 1980s ballad by Rene & Angela. Its success, remaining in the top 10 for several weeks, resulted in a solo album contract with MCA Records. With the help of the late MCA Records executive Louil Silas, her friend and A&R Randy Jackson, whom she met at age twelve,[10] and former Boyz II Men manager Quadri El Amin, Wyatt recorded her first album within two weeks time.[7]

Her first single, "Used to Love", helped to create buzz but failed to achieve radio play,[14] though it did chart at No. 65 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.[15] The follow-up single "Nothing in This World", her second duet with Avant, charted higher on a number of Billboard charts, including No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 35 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart.[15]

Soul Sista, her solo debut in 2001, a platinum album,[16][17] was released on November 13, 2001.[18] It reached number 33 on the Billboard 200.[19] Selling more than one million copies, Wyatt's fanbase broadened to audiences in Japan, South Korea and Europe.[1][7] On December 11, 2001, Wyatt was interviewed. During that interview, Wyatt said that she was a founding member of an early incarnation of Destiny's Child, called "The Dolls" and that she was later replaced by Beyoncé.[20] In 2002, her rendition of "Nothing in This World" led to a nomination for Best New R&B/Soul/Rap Artist at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.[3]

2004–2008: Label change, Emotional Rollercoaster and Ghetto Rose edit

By 2004, Wyatt had departed from MCA Records. She signed a contract, negotiated by her ex-husband/road manager Rahmat Morton, with Cash Money Records/Universal Motown Records, under the management of Cassandra Ware.[10] Her second album Emotional Rollercoaster was originally set for release on May 31, 2005, but was postponed for release in early 2006. The set's first single, "Put Your Hands on Me", became the most added urban track to radio in April 2005. However, the single failed to chart or gain radio airplay, and her album was, subsequently, shelved.[citation needed] Beyond the first single, other songs slated to appear on her second album included "Look at What You Made Me Do", "Insecurity" written by Bryan Michael Cox, "My Man", "Six Questions" featuring Avant, "Cheaters", "Who Knows" written by Tank, "Peace on Earth", a remake of a Rachelle Ferrell single, and the title track "Emotional Rollercoaster" featuring Ginuwine. In 2006, Wyatt was released from her contract with Cash Money Records, citing conflict with management as the reason for her departure.[10]

In 2007 Wyatt, reunited with her former manager Quadri El Amin on the TVT Records label. Work on her third solo album Ghetto Rose was completed in 2007. The title track, written by veteran songwriter Franne Golde along with Kasey Livingston and Curt Schneider, was released to urban radio outlets in the fall of that year. The album was originally set for release on October 23, 2007, but was postponed for release in early 2008. Then, in February 2008, the record label filed for bankruptcy and, for the second time in her solo career, Wyatt's album was shelved.[21]

2009–2011: Theatre debut, Who Knew? and Unbelievable edit

In 2009, Wyatt played a leading role in a United States-based nationally touring production entitled Love Overboard. The production also included many seasoned cast members such as actress Karen Malina White, singer Avant, actor Khalil Kain, and others.[22]

Wyatt released the single "Who Knew?" in 2010, which served as the title track for her album Who Knew?, released on February 23, 2010[23] through Shanachie Records.[24] On the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, the album peaked at No. 35.[6] In May 2011, Wyatt released a remake of the popular 1980s single "Saturday Love", featuring Ruben Studdard.[25] Shortly afterwards, she also released a music video for the track through Shanachie Records.[26] "Saturday Love" was included in her second album on Shanachie, Unbelievable!, which was released on June 14, 2011. It peaked at No. 48 on the R&B Albums chart.[24]

2012–2014: Appearance on reality TV series R&B Divas and Ke'Ke' edit

In 2012, Wyatt was cast in TV One's R&B Divas which features the lives of five 1990s chart-topping R&B singers including Wyatt, Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Monifah and Syleena Johnson. The show documents the singers living in Atlanta, Georgia, as they work towards rebuilding their careers. The first episode aired on August 20, 2012.[4]

Throughout the show, R&B Divas singers collaborated on a charity album commemorating the life of Whitney Houston, featuring the single "Love Yourself" which is also featured in the TV show's introduction. Proceeds of the album went towards benefiting organizations committed to improving the lives of women.[27] She performed at the 2012 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans along with the other cast-members of R&B Divas, and according to Erika Ramirez of Billboard in a ranking of the top ten performances at the festival, "Keke Wyatt's cover of Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' left the audience in awe even after the performance."[5] After the initial season of R&B Divas, Wyatt appeared in the two following seasons as well, when the show was renamed to R&B Divas: Atlanta.

External videos
  Avant ft. Keke Wyatt - "You & I" Music Video (VEVO, January 4, 2013)
  Keke Wyatt - "Lie Under You" Music Video (YouTube, August 3, 2015)

In 2013, she collaborated with Avant on their hit "You & I", which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Urban A/C chart, and remained there close to two months.[7] "You & I" also reached No. 33 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[28]

In May 2014, Wyatt released her first EP titled Ke'Ke', through The NorthStar Group and her own imprint Aratek Entertainment.[29] The imprint is her birth name backwards, and is also meant as a stand-in for the word erotic.[30]

The EP featured songwriters and producers such as Neyo, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, and Cristyle,[7] while other guest artists include Pusha T on the track "Rain", and Nitty Scott in "Remember".[17] Overall, the EP contains five newly written and produced songs,[29] and the single "Fall in Love" reached No. 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and No. 17 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[6] On the Billboard 200, the EP reached number 191,[19] R&B Albums chart, the EP peaked at No. 12 in late June 2014,[31] and it also reached No. 35 on the Independent Albums chart.[6]

In August 2014, Wyatt made a cameo in fellow R&B Divas co-star Faith Evans' music video "I Deserve It", featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J.[32] Later that year, Wyatt was featured as a vocalist on the track "Make Love" by Faith Evans.[33]

2015–2017: Rated Love and Keke Covers edit

In the fall of 2015, she signed a multi-album distribution deal for her Aratek Entertainment company[34] with INgrooves Music Group,[35] announcing then-upcoming promo singles.[34] On November 20, 2015, she released her new R&B single "Sexy Song". The track is set to be the lead single from her album Rated Love, which was released through Aratek Entertainment on April 22, 2016.[35] "Sexy Song" was at No. 26 on the Adult R&B Songs chart as of early December 2015.[6] "Love Me" was released as the album's second single on March 18, 2016.[36]

In August 2016, it was announced that she and her husband Michael Ford had joined the cast of the sixth season of Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars set for an October airdate.[37] On October 13, 2016, Wyatt announced the single "Jodeci" on her Instagram account, writing: "I think we got a new one with my new single Jodeci!!! I wanna know what ya'll think", revealing it would be released with a deluxe version of her album Rated Love on October 21, 2016.[38]

It was announced on January 31, 2017, via Wyatt's social media accounts that a covers album Keke Covers would be released on February 14, 2017, "My YouTube cover series #kekecovers comes the cover album 'Keke Covers' #COMINGSOON #FEB14 #LOVERSDAY2017".[39][40][41][42]

2017–present: Country Fried Soul, KeKe Wyatt's World, Water into Wine edit

On July 28, 2017, Wyatt released the single "Summertime",[43] intended to be the lead single from her upcoming fifth studio album Country Fried Soul.[44] on July 26, 2023, it was announced on that Wyatt would star in her own reality tv series "Keke Wyatt's World" on WEtv network.[45] The reality series will follow Wyatt, a singer-songwriter and mother of 11 children, as she prepares to release her first new album in over six years.[46] On August 23, 2023, the trailer for Keke Wyatts World was released.[47] Wyatt announced the release of her new single "Water into Wine" on August 25, 2023, from her upcoming album reuniting with former label Shanachie via social media "Guess what?! My new Single is available NOW!!!!! Giving my SHUGAR's a summer !! feel good appetizer before my album comes out later this year!! You're going to LOVE ALL the new music"[48][49]

Advocacy edit

Wyatt has served as a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). As spokesperson, she shares her experience as a long-term victim of domestic abuse.[7] She is also a supporter of the Saving our Daughters organization.[7]

Personal life edit

Wyatt was 18 years old when she married Rahmat Morton, her road manager.[21] A domestic violence situation between Wyatt and Morton was widely reported in the urban news circuit in 2001,[50] with Wyatt explaining that she had stabbed her husband out of self-defense[50] and to protect her children.[51] Wyatt filed for divorce from Morton in 2009 after an escalation of violence, relocating her family from Kentucky to Atlanta, Georgia. They have 3 children together, sons Keyver Wyatt Morton (born March 27, 2000) & Rahjah Ke' Morton (born February 27, 2002) and daughter Ke'Tarah Victoria Morton (born August 29, 2008). Wyatt was pregnant with her & Morton's fourth child, a daughter by the end of the marriage, but suffered a still birth.[21]

She remarried in 2010 to Michael Jamar Ford, an ordained minister who went to appear with Wyatt in the reality TV show R&B Divas.[21][52] As of 2013, Wyatt was raising six children with Ford, three fathered by Wyatt's first marriage, a daughter named Mickayla from Ford's previous relationship and their two sons: Ke'Mar Von Ford (born August 16, 2010) & Wyatt Michael Ford (born May 17, 2012).[52] Wyatt had her seventh child and Ford's fourth child, a daughter named Ke'Yoshi Bella Ford on March 10, 2015.[21] Wyatt announced in April 2017 that she was pregnant with her eighth child.[21] In early September 2017, it was reported that the couple were divorcing while she was eight months pregnant.[53][54] On October 27, 2017, Wyatt gave birth to her eighth child and Ford's fifth child, a son named Kendall Miguel Ford.[55][56] Ford confirmed their divorce in August 2018.

In October 2018, Wyatt married her childhood ex-boyfriend, Zackariah Darring. On November 8, 2018, she announced she was pregnant with her ninth child with Zackariah.[57] She gave birth to her tenth child on January 6, 2020; a son named Ke'Riah David Darring.[58] She gave birth to her eleventh child in 2022.[59]

Awards and nominations edit

Year Award Nominated work Category Result
2002 Soul Train Lady
of Soul Awards
"Nothing in This World"
(Keke Wyatt ft. Avant)
Best New R&B/Soul/Rap Artist[3] Nominated

Discography edit

Filmography and theater edit

Selected roles and cameos by Keke Wyatt [12]
Year Title Format Publisher Role
2009 Love Overboard Touring theater production Je'Caryous Johnson Leading role
2012-14 R&B Divas: Atlanta Reality TV series TV One Central character
2014 "I Deserve It" Faith Evans music video BMG Cameo[32]
2016 Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars season six Reality TV series WE tv Central character
2023 Keke Wyatt's World Reality TV series WE tv Central character

Further reading edit

  • Video: BET Awards Backstage, June 2007
  • KeKe Wyatt: Still Standing, July 2007
  • Podcast: EURweb.com, September 25, 2007

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "No More Drama: Keke Wyatt on Her Music and Marriage". Essence. December 16, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Henderson, Alex (2001), Keke Wyatt, Billboard and All Music Guide
  3. ^ a b c "2002 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards Nominees". Billboard. July 24, 2002. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  4. ^ a b . Billboard. June 25, 2012. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Ramirez, Erika (July 9, 2012). "Essence Festival 2012: The 10 Best Performances". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "Keke Wyatt Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g . thekekewyatt.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  8. ^ a b Sanders, J. Victoria (2001), Pop Matters Music Review: Keke Wyatt, Soul Sista - PopMatters
  9. ^ a b c d Ison, Jason (December 2, 2001), , archived from the original on March 3, 2008, retrieved September 23, 2007
  10. ^ a b c d e Terrell, Calvin (October 2007), , Sister2Sister Magazine, Washington, DC, archived from the original on March 3, 2008 .
  11. ^ Lee, Bailey (September 25, 2007), LISTEN TO THE KEKE WYATT EURCAST: Hear the singer denounce article on her at Essence.com, Los Angeles, CA: EURweb.com (narrated by Cherie Saunders)
  12. ^ a b "Biography for Keke Wyatt". IMDb. 2008. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  13. ^ Wyatt, Keke (September 10, 2007), 9/10/2007 Blog Entry, New York, NY: TVT Records
  14. ^ "Soul Sista". Billboard. November 17, 2001. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Keke Wyatt Awards". Allmusic. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  16. ^ . vh1.com. April 1, 2002. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  17. ^ a b Book, Ryan (June 13, 2014). "Keke Wyatt Brings Friends for Help on EP 'Ke'Ke". Music Times. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  18. ^ Bush, John (November 13, 2001). "Soul Sista Review". Allmusic. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  19. ^ a b "Keke Wyatt Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  20. ^ . Archived from the original on June 9, 2002. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  21. ^ a b c d e f Richburg, Chris (December 15, 2009), "Nee Kee Wyatt Song Strikes Personal Chord: Divorce looming as singer prepares to release 1st new album after eight year absence.", Eurweb.com, Los Angeles
  22. ^ "Avant Gone 'Overboard' With Keke Wyatt, 'World' Duo Reunites For Album/Play". singersroom.com. February 11, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  23. ^ "Who Knew?". AllMusic. February 23, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  24. ^ a b Kellman, Andy (June 14, 2011). "Unbelievable! Review". Allmusic. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  25. ^ "Saturday Love (feat. Ruben Studdard) - Single pple.com/us/album/saturday-love-feat.-ruben/id440684430". Shanachie Ent. Corp. May 24, 2011.
  26. ^ "Keke Wyatt - Saturday Love (Featuring Ruben Studdard)". Shenachie Records. April 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  27. ^ . TVone.tv. August 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 23, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  28. ^ "Avant Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  29. ^ a b "Ke'Ke' - EP". iTunes. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
  30. ^ Cue Slow Wind To Keke Wyatt's "Sexy Song December 22, 2015, at the Wayback Machine (Centric, November 23, 2015)
  31. ^ "Ke' Ke' (EP)". Billboard. July 21, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  32. ^ a b Pearson, Joi (August 8, 2014). "Faith Evans' 'I Deserve' BTS Atlanta video shoot". rollingout.com. Retrieved August 31, 2014.
  33. ^ "Faith Evans: Incomparable". iTunes.com. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  34. ^ a b Breezy, Elle (October 14, 2015). "Get It, Girl! KeKe Wyatt Preps New Body And New Album". Singersroom. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  35. ^ a b "New Music: Keke Wyatt Releases Single "Sexy Song"". youknowigotsoul.com. November 20, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  36. ^ "Keke Wyatt - Love Me (Audio)". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  37. ^ "'Marriage Boot Camp' Cast Revealed — Including Jade and Tanner!". August 12, 2016. from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved 2016-08-15.
  38. ^ "I think we got one with my new single "Jodeci"!!! I wanna know what y'all think??? #RATEDLOVEDELUXE #OCT21 #JODECI". Keke Wyatt. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2016 – via Instagram.
  39. ^ "My YouTube cover series #kekecovers comes the cover album 'Keke Covers' #COMINGSOON #FEB14 #LOVERSDAY2017". Twitter. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  40. ^ . YouTube. Archived from the original on February 8, 2017. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  41. ^ "From my YouTube cover series #kekecovers comes the remarkable and unprecedented cover album 'Keke Covers' #COMINGSOON #FEB14 #LOVERSDAY2017". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  42. ^ "From my YouTube cover series #kekecovers comes the remarkable and unprecedented cover album 'Keke Covers' #COMINGSOON #FEB14 #LOVERSDAY2017". Facebook. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  43. ^ "Summertime - Single by KeKe Wyatt on Apple Music". Apple Music (U.S. Store). July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  44. ^ "KeKe Wyatt Releases Country-Tinged Single, 'Summertime'". Singersroom. July 28, 2017. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
  45. ^ "Keke Wyatt lands her own WE tv reality series". Upi. October 17, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  46. ^ "We tv Gives Viewers a Front Row Seat To Keke Wyatt's World". AMC Networks. October 17, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  47. ^ "Keke Wyatt on Instagram". Instagram. October 17, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  48. ^ "Keke Wyatt on Instagram "Water into Wine Announcement"". Instagram. October 17, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  49. ^ "Keke Wyatt on Facebook "Water into Wine Announcement"". Facebook. October 17, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  50. ^ a b "Keke Wyatt Tells Why She Stabbed Ex-Husband on Upcoming 'R&B Divas' (Video)". Electronic Urban Report. eurweb.com. August 31, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  51. ^ Blogger, Futuristic. "R&B Diva Keke Wyatt Talks About Stabbing Her Ex-Husband in New Interview With Essense [sic] Magazine!! – Details Inside". Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  52. ^ a b "KeKe Wyatt Expecting a Baby". BET.com. September 22, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  53. ^ "R&B Singer Keke Wyatt Has Public Meltdown After Husband Leaves Her 8 Months Pregnant". TMZ. September 5, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  54. ^ Bennett, Jessica (September 5, 2017). "At 8 Months Pregnant, Keke Wyatt Tearfully Reveals Husband Asked for Divorce". EBONY. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  55. ^ Bennett, Jessica (October 30, 2017). "Keke Wyatt Gives Birth to Ninth Child". EBONY. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  56. ^ "Keke Wyatt on Instagram: "#kendallmiguel 💋💋💋"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  57. ^ "R&B Singer Keke Wyatt Has a New Husband and Her Child is Cancer-Free". TMZ. November 8, 2018. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  58. ^ "Keke Wyatt Welcomes 10th Child, Son Ke'Riah: We 'Are Blessed'". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  59. ^ Elitou, Tweety (June 2, 2022). "Keke Wyatt Gives Birth To A Healthy Baby Boy: 'My Husband Zackariah & I Are Grateful To GOD'". BET.

External links edit

keke, wyatt, tara, shavon, keke, wyatt, born, march, 1982, american, singer, songwriter, television, personality, after, performing, number, girl, bands, working, songwriter, during, teenage, years, 2000, garnered, national, attention, after, successful, colla. Ke Tara Shavon KeKe Wyatt born March 10 1982 1 is an American singer songwriter and television personality After performing in a number of girl bands and working as a songwriter during her teenage years in 2000 she garnered national attention after her successful collaboration with fellow R amp B singer Avant 2 In 2001 her rendition of Nothing in This World led to a nomination for the Best New R amp B Soul Rap Artist award at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards 3 After a number of charting collaborations and solo releases in 2012 she starred as a cast member in TV One s R amp B Divas Atlanta which featured the lives of five 1990s chart topping R amp B singers 4 She was featured in all 3 seasons of the show She also performed with the group at events such as Essence Music Festival 5 KeKe WyattBirth nameKe Tara Shavon WyattBorn 1982 03 10 March 10 1982 age 42 Indianapolis Indiana U S GenresR amp B soul gospelOccupationsSinger songwriter television personalityInstrumentsVocals drums keyboardsYears active1990 presentLabelsMCA 2001 2004 Cash Money Universal 2004 2006 TVT 2006 2008 Shanachie 2009 2013 Aratek Entertainment Fontana 2012 present WebsiteOfficial Twitter In her career Wyatt released official studio albums including Soul Sista 2001 Who Knew 2010 Unbelievable 2011 and her latest and recent release Rated Love 2016 All of these albums charted prominently on Billboard as did her first and only EP release Ke Ke 2014 6 Wyatt has also released a number of charting singles 6 with the lead single Sexy Song from the album Rated Love peaking at number 29 on the Adult R amp B Songs chart 6 After getting involved with a number of non profits Wyatt served as a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence NCADV 7 Contents 1 Early life and education 2 Career 2 1 1992 1999 Early singing and songwriting 3 2000 2002 First hit single Breakthrough and debut album Soul Sista 4 2004 2008 Label change Emotional Rollercoaster and Ghetto Rose 5 2009 2011 Theatre debut Who Knew and Unbelievable 6 2012 2014 Appearance on reality TV series R amp B Divas and Ke Ke 7 2015 2017 Rated Love and Keke Covers 8 2017 present Country Fried Soul KeKe Wyatt s World Water into Wine 9 Advocacy 10 Personal life 11 Awards and nominations 12 Discography 13 Filmography and theater 14 Further reading 15 See also 16 References 17 External linksEarly life and education editWyatt was born March 10 1982 in Indianapolis Indiana to Lorna Wyatt a vocalist and Keever Wyatt II an organist and also a vocalist Ke Tara Keke Wyatt was raised in a musical family rooted in gospel music 1 8 She has four brothers 1 Despite her religious background Wyatt was also exposed to Contemporary R amp B and secular music 9 and she would perform with her vocals in genres as diverse as gospel pop and opera 9 Wyatt began singing at the age of 2 experiencing her first live show by the age of 5 9 10 While of mixed white and black heritage Wyatt and her four brothers who were raised in a predominantly African American household and community setting 1 10 11 identify as African American 1 Wyatt grew up in Indianapolis but also spent time in both Kentucky and Texas She attended high school in Indianapolis where she was a member of her high school s varsity wrestling team 12 13 As she grew her musical tastes were influenced by the likes of R amp B greats like Stevie Wonder Donny Hathaway and Ella Fitzgerald 9 Inspired by many preceding musical greats Wyatt found herself performing with various girl groups as a teen 2 She was often recognized for a maturity exceeding her teenage years 1 Career edit1992 1999 Early singing and songwriting edit Wyatt s professional career began at the age of ten when she began recording a song called What If which would be included on a gospel compilation album for Indianapolis based R H Duncan With growing buzz surrounding the little girl who could sing news of Wyatt s talent led her to encounter with these artists from the likes of Bill Woodson Nathan Alexander Billy Badd Chris Kelly and multi platinum producer composer Jorge Corante and Emmanuel Officer 2 During the years of adolescence Wyatt became as a student of a school by the Chicago based producer and songwriter Steve Stone Huff 2 Huff eventually produced and shopped a few of Wyatt s demos in hopes of landing her a record deal 2 8 During her mid teens she performed demo songs for various gospel labels earning around 1 500 per recording During that time Keke extended her skills by also writing music as a teenager and while she was writing some music Keke would experience her first coldly dealt disappointment as a music industry professional She wrote the majority of the lyrics for a hit song but received no credit for her work 1 2000 2002 First hit single Breakthrough and debut album Soul Sista editSee also My First Love Rene amp Angela song and Soul Sista At age 15 Wyatt recorded My First Love with Avant which was released two years later eventually becoming a single for his album entitled My Thoughts Wyatt gained much notoriety for the remake of the 1980s ballad by Rene amp Angela Its success remaining in the top 10 for several weeks resulted in a solo album contract with MCA Records With the help of the late MCA Records executive Louil Silas her friend and A amp R Randy Jackson whom she met at age twelve 10 and former Boyz II Men manager Quadri El Amin Wyatt recorded her first album within two weeks time 7 Her first single Used to Love helped to create buzz but failed to achieve radio play 14 though it did chart at No 65 on the Hot R amp B Hip Hop Singles amp Tracks chart 15 The follow up single Nothing in This World her second duet with Avant charted higher on a number of Billboard charts including No 4 on the Hot R amp B Hip Hop Singles amp Tracks chart No 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No 35 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart 15 Soul Sista her solo debut in 2001 a platinum album 16 17 was released on November 13 2001 18 It reached number 33 on the Billboard 200 19 Selling more than one million copies Wyatt s fanbase broadened to audiences in Japan South Korea and Europe 1 7 On December 11 2001 Wyatt was interviewed During that interview Wyatt said that she was a founding member of an early incarnation of Destiny s Child called The Dolls and that she was later replaced by Beyonce 20 In 2002 her rendition of Nothing in This World led to a nomination for Best New R amp B Soul Rap Artist at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards 3 2004 2008 Label change Emotional Rollercoaster and Ghetto Rose editSee also Emotional Rollercoaster Keke Wyatt album By 2004 Wyatt had departed from MCA Records She signed a contract negotiated by her ex husband road manager Rahmat Morton with Cash Money Records Universal Motown Records under the management of Cassandra Ware 10 Her second album Emotional Rollercoaster was originally set for release on May 31 2005 but was postponed for release in early 2006 The set s first single Put Your Hands on Me became the most added urban track to radio in April 2005 However the single failed to chart or gain radio airplay and her album was subsequently shelved citation needed Beyond the first single other songs slated to appear on her second album included Look at What You Made Me Do Insecurity written by Bryan Michael Cox My Man Six Questions featuring Avant Cheaters Who Knows written by Tank Peace on Earth a remake of a Rachelle Ferrell single and the title track Emotional Rollercoaster featuring Ginuwine In 2006 Wyatt was released from her contract with Cash Money Records citing conflict with management as the reason for her departure 10 In 2007 Wyatt reunited with her former manager Quadri El Amin on the TVT Records label Work on her third solo album Ghetto Rose was completed in 2007 The title track written by veteran songwriter Franne Golde along with Kasey Livingston and Curt Schneider was released to urban radio outlets in the fall of that year The album was originally set for release on October 23 2007 but was postponed for release in early 2008 Then in February 2008 the record label filed for bankruptcy and for the second time in her solo career Wyatt s album was shelved 21 2009 2011 Theatre debut Who Knew and Unbelievable editSee also Who Knew album and Unbelievable Keke Wyatt album In 2009 Wyatt played a leading role in a United States based nationally touring production entitled Love Overboard The production also included many seasoned cast members such as actress Karen Malina White singer Avant actor Khalil Kain and others 22 Wyatt released the single Who Knew in 2010 which served as the title track for her album Who Knew released on February 23 2010 23 through Shanachie Records 24 On the US Billboard Top R amp B Hip Hop Albums the album peaked at No 35 6 In May 2011 Wyatt released a remake of the popular 1980s single Saturday Love featuring Ruben Studdard 25 Shortly afterwards she also released a music video for the track through Shanachie Records 26 Saturday Love was included in her second album on Shanachie Unbelievable which was released on June 14 2011 It peaked at No 48 on the R amp B Albums chart 24 2012 2014 Appearance on reality TV series R amp B Divas and Ke Ke editSee also R amp B Divas Atlanta In 2012 Wyatt was cast in TV One s R amp B Divas which features the lives of five 1990s chart topping R amp B singers including Wyatt Faith Evans Nicci Gilbert Monifah and Syleena Johnson The show documents the singers living in Atlanta Georgia as they work towards rebuilding their careers The first episode aired on August 20 2012 4 Throughout the show R amp B Divas singers collaborated on a charity album commemorating the life of Whitney Houston featuring the single Love Yourself which is also featured in the TV show s introduction Proceeds of the album went towards benefiting organizations committed to improving the lives of women 27 She performed at the 2012 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans along with the other cast members of R amp B Divas and according to Erika Ramirez of Billboard in a ranking of the top ten performances at the festival Keke Wyatt s cover of Houston s I Wanna Dance With Somebody left the audience in awe even after the performance 5 After the initial season of R amp B Divas Wyatt appeared in the two following seasons as well when the show was renamed to R amp B Divas Atlanta See also Ke Ke External videos nbsp Avant ft Keke Wyatt You amp I Music Video VEVO January 4 2013 nbsp Keke Wyatt Lie Under You Music Video YouTube August 3 2015 In 2013 she collaborated with Avant on their hit You amp I which peaked at No 1 on Billboard s Urban A C chart and remained there close to two months 7 You amp I also reached No 33 on the Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs chart 28 In May 2014 Wyatt released her first EP titled Ke Ke through The NorthStar Group and her own imprint Aratek Entertainment 29 The imprint is her birth name backwards and is also meant as a stand in for the word erotic 30 The EP featured songwriters and producers such as Neyo Chuck Harmony Claude Kelly and Cristyle 7 while other guest artists include Pusha T on the track Rain and Nitty Scott in Remember 17 Overall the EP contains five newly written and produced songs 29 and the single Fall in Love reached No 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and No 17 on the Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs chart 6 On the Billboard 200 the EP reached number 191 19 R amp B Albums chart the EP peaked at No 12 in late June 2014 31 and it also reached No 35 on the Independent Albums chart 6 In August 2014 Wyatt made a cameo in fellow R amp B Divas co star Faith Evans music video I Deserve It featuring Missy Elliott and Sharaya J 32 Later that year Wyatt was featured as a vocalist on the track Make Love by Faith Evans 33 2015 2017 Rated Love and Keke Covers editIn the fall of 2015 she signed a multi album distribution deal for her Aratek Entertainment company 34 with INgrooves Music Group 35 announcing then upcoming promo singles 34 On November 20 2015 she released her new R amp B single Sexy Song The track is set to be the lead single from her album Rated Love which was released through Aratek Entertainment on April 22 2016 35 Sexy Song was at No 26 on the Adult R amp B Songs chart as of early December 2015 6 Love Me was released as the album s second single on March 18 2016 36 In August 2016 it was announced that she and her husband Michael Ford had joined the cast of the sixth season of Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars set for an October airdate 37 On October 13 2016 Wyatt announced the single Jodeci on her Instagram account writing I think we got a new one with my new single Jodeci I wanna know what ya ll think revealing it would be released with a deluxe version of her album Rated Love on October 21 2016 38 It was announced on January 31 2017 via Wyatt s social media accounts that a covers album Keke Covers would be released on February 14 2017 My YouTube cover series kekecovers comes the cover album Keke Covers COMINGSOON FEB14 LOVERSDAY2017 39 40 41 42 2017 present Country Fried Soul KeKe Wyatt s World Water into Wine editOn July 28 2017 Wyatt released the single Summertime 43 intended to be the lead single from her upcoming fifth studio album Country Fried Soul 44 on July 26 2023 it was announced on that Wyatt would star in her own reality tv series Keke Wyatt s World on WEtv network 45 The reality series will follow Wyatt a singer songwriter and mother of 11 children as she prepares to release her first new album in over six years 46 On August 23 2023 the trailer for Keke Wyatts World was released 47 Wyatt announced the release of her new single Water into Wine on August 25 2023 from her upcoming album reuniting with former label Shanachie via social media Guess what My new Single is available NOW Giving my SHUGAR s a summer feel good appetizer before my album comes out later this year You re going to LOVE ALL the new music 48 49 Advocacy editWyatt has served as a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence NCADV As spokesperson she shares her experience as a long term victim of domestic abuse 7 She is also a supporter of the Saving our Daughters organization 7 Personal life editWyatt was 18 years old when she married Rahmat Morton her road manager 21 A domestic violence situation between Wyatt and Morton was widely reported in the urban news circuit in 2001 50 with Wyatt explaining that she had stabbed her husband out of self defense 50 and to protect her children 51 Wyatt filed for divorce from Morton in 2009 after an escalation of violence relocating her family from Kentucky to Atlanta Georgia They have 3 children together sons Keyver Wyatt Morton born March 27 2000 amp Rahjah Ke Morton born February 27 2002 and daughter Ke Tarah Victoria Morton born August 29 2008 Wyatt was pregnant with her amp Morton s fourth child a daughter by the end of the marriage but suffered a still birth 21 She remarried in 2010 to Michael Jamar Ford an ordained minister who went to appear with Wyatt in the reality TV show R amp B Divas 21 52 As of 2013 Wyatt was raising six children with Ford three fathered by Wyatt s first marriage a daughter named Mickayla from Ford s previous relationship and their two sons Ke Mar Von Ford born August 16 2010 amp Wyatt Michael Ford born May 17 2012 52 Wyatt had her seventh child and Ford s fourth child a daughter named Ke Yoshi Bella Ford on March 10 2015 21 Wyatt announced in April 2017 that she was pregnant with her eighth child 21 In early September 2017 it was reported that the couple were divorcing while she was eight months pregnant 53 54 On October 27 2017 Wyatt gave birth to her eighth child and Ford s fifth child a son named Kendall Miguel Ford 55 56 Ford confirmed their divorce in August 2018 In October 2018 Wyatt married her childhood ex boyfriend Zackariah Darring On November 8 2018 she announced she was pregnant with her ninth child with Zackariah 57 She gave birth to her tenth child on January 6 2020 a son named Ke Riah David Darring 58 She gave birth to her eleventh child in 2022 59 Awards and nominations editYear Award Nominated work Category Result 2002 Soul Train Ladyof Soul Awards Nothing in This World Keke Wyatt ft Avant Best New R amp B Soul Rap Artist 3 NominatedDiscography editMain article Keke Wyatt discography Soul Sista 2001 Who Knew 2010 Unbelievable 2011 Rated Love 2016 Keke Covers 2017 Filmography and theater editSelected roles and cameos by Keke Wyatt 12 Year Title Format Publisher Role 2009 Love Overboard Touring theater production Je Caryous Johnson Leading role 2012 14 R amp B Divas Atlanta Reality TV series TV One Central character 2014 I Deserve It Faith Evans music video BMG Cameo 32 2016 Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars season six Reality TV series WE tv Central character 2023 Keke Wyatt s World Reality TV series WE tv Central characterFurther reading editVideo BET Awards Backstage June 2007 KeKe Wyatt Still Standing July 2007 No More Drama Keke Wyatt on Her Music and Marriage August 2007 Podcast EURweb com September 25 2007 S2S Magazine September 2007See also editKeke Wyatt discography List of songs recorded by Keke Wyatt List of soul musiciansReferences edit a b c d e f g h No More Drama Keke Wyatt on Her Music and Marriage Essence December 16 2009 Retrieved August 4 2019 a b c d e Henderson Alex 2001 Keke Wyatt Billboard and All Music Guide a b c 2002 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards Nominees Billboard July 24 2002 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Exclusive R amp B Divas With Faith Evans Nicci Gilbert Syleena Johnson To Premiere on TV One Billboard June 25 2012 Archived from the original on January 11 2013 Retrieved September 19 2012 a b Ramirez Erika July 9 2012 Essence Festival 2012 The 10 Best Performances Billboard Retrieved December 12 2015 a b c d e f g Keke Wyatt Chart History Billboard Retrieved December 12 2015 a b c d e f g About Keke Wyatt thekekewyatt com Archived from the original on November 18 2015 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Sanders J Victoria 2001 Pop Matters Music Review Keke Wyatt Soul Sista PopMatters a b c d Ison Jason December 2 2001 KeKe s talkin bout love archived from the original on March 3 2008 retrieved September 23 2007 a b c d e Terrell Calvin October 2007 Giving it to ya straight no chaser Keke Wyatt Sister2Sister Magazine Washington DC archived from the original on March 3 2008 Lee Bailey September 25 2007 LISTEN TO THE KEKE WYATT EURCAST Hear the singer denounce article on her at Essence com Los Angeles CA EURweb com narrated by Cherie Saunders a b Biography for Keke Wyatt IMDb 2008 Retrieved March 14 2008 Wyatt Keke September 10 2007 9 10 2007 Blog Entry New York NY TVT Records Soul Sista Billboard November 17 2001 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Keke Wyatt Awards Allmusic Retrieved December 12 2015 Keke Wyatt vh1 com April 1 2002 Archived from the original on August 26 2012 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Book Ryan June 13 2014 Keke Wyatt Brings Friends for Help on EP Ke Ke Music Times Retrieved December 12 2015 Bush John November 13 2001 Soul Sista Review Allmusic Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Keke Wyatt Chart History Billboard 200 Billboard Retrieved July 10 2020 Hot Wire gt gt The Soul of Keke Wyatt Archived from the original on June 9 2002 Retrieved March 11 2015 a b c d e f Richburg Chris December 15 2009 Nee Kee Wyatt Song Strikes Personal Chord Divorce looming as singer prepares to release 1st new album after eight year absence Eurweb com Los Angeles Avant Gone Overboard With Keke Wyatt World Duo Reunites For Album Play singersroom com February 11 2009 Retrieved December 12 2015 Who Knew AllMusic February 23 2010 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Kellman Andy June 14 2011 Unbelievable Review Allmusic Retrieved December 12 2015 Saturday Love feat Ruben Studdard Single pple com us album saturday love feat ruben id440684430 Shanachie Ent Corp May 24 2011 Keke Wyatt Saturday Love Featuring Ruben Studdard Shenachie Records April 2011 Retrieved December 12 2015 Inside R amp B Divas TVone tv August 18 2012 Archived from the original on August 23 2012 Retrieved September 19 2012 Avant Chart History Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs Billboard Retrieved July 10 2020 a b Ke Ke EP iTunes Retrieved November 21 2015 Cue Slow Wind To Keke Wyatt s Sexy Song Archived December 22 2015 at the Wayback Machine Centric November 23 2015 Ke Ke EP Billboard July 21 2014 Retrieved December 12 2015 a b Pearson Joi August 8 2014 Faith Evans I Deserve BTS Atlanta video shoot rollingout com Retrieved August 31 2014 Faith Evans Incomparable iTunes com Retrieved October 26 2014 a b Breezy Elle October 14 2015 Get It Girl KeKe Wyatt Preps New Body And New Album Singersroom Retrieved December 12 2015 a b New Music Keke Wyatt Releases Single Sexy Song youknowigotsoul com November 20 2015 Retrieved December 12 2015 Keke Wyatt Love Me Audio YouTube Archived from the original on December 13 2021 Retrieved March 18 2016 Marriage Boot Camp Cast Revealed Including Jade and Tanner August 12 2016 Archived from the original on August 16 2016 Retrieved 2016 08 15 I think we got one with my new single Jodeci I wanna know what y all think RATEDLOVEDELUXE OCT21 JODECI Keke Wyatt Archived from the original on December 24 2021 Retrieved October 18 2016 via Instagram My YouTube cover series kekecovers comes the cover album Keke Covers COMINGSOON FEB14 LOVERSDAY2017 Twitter Retrieved January 31 2017 Keke Wyatt s KekeCovers The Album COMING SOON YouTube Archived from the original on February 8 2017 Retrieved January 31 2017 From my YouTube cover series kekecovers comes the remarkable and unprecedented cover album Keke Covers COMINGSOON FEB14 LOVERSDAY2017 Instagram Archived from the original on December 24 2021 Retrieved January 31 2017 From my YouTube cover series kekecovers comes the remarkable and unprecedented cover album Keke Covers COMINGSOON FEB14 LOVERSDAY2017 Facebook Retrieved January 31 2017 Summertime Single by KeKe Wyatt on Apple Music Apple Music U S Store July 28 2017 Retrieved July 28 2017 KeKe Wyatt Releases Country Tinged Single Summertime Singersroom July 28 2017 Retrieved July 28 2017 Keke Wyatt lands her own WE tv reality series Upi October 17 2023 Retrieved July 26 2023 We tv Gives Viewers a Front Row Seat To Keke Wyatt s World AMC Networks October 17 2023 Retrieved July 26 2023 Keke Wyatt on Instagram Instagram October 17 2023 Retrieved August 23 2023 Keke Wyatt on Instagram Water into Wine Announcement Instagram October 17 2023 Retrieved August 25 2023 Keke Wyatt on Facebook Water into Wine Announcement Facebook October 17 2023 Retrieved August 25 2023 a b Keke Wyatt Tells Why She Stabbed Ex Husband on Upcoming R amp B Divas Video Electronic Urban Report eurweb com August 31 2012 Retrieved December 12 2015 Blogger Futuristic R amp B Diva Keke Wyatt Talks About Stabbing Her Ex Husband in New Interview With Essense sic Magazine Details Inside Retrieved May 2 2013 a b KeKe Wyatt Expecting a Baby BET com September 22 2014 Retrieved March 11 2015 R amp B Singer Keke Wyatt Has Public Meltdown After Husband Leaves Her 8 Months Pregnant TMZ September 5 2017 Retrieved July 3 2019 Bennett Jessica September 5 2017 At 8 Months Pregnant Keke Wyatt Tearfully Reveals Husband Asked for Divorce EBONY Retrieved July 3 2019 Bennett Jessica October 30 2017 Keke Wyatt Gives Birth to Ninth Child EBONY Retrieved July 3 2019 Keke Wyatt on Instagram kendallmiguel Instagram Archived from the original on December 24 2021 Retrieved July 9 2019 R amp B Singer Keke Wyatt Has a New Husband and Her Child is Cancer Free TMZ November 8 2018 Retrieved January 6 2023 Keke Wyatt Welcomes 10th Child Son Ke Riah We Are Blessed PEOPLE com Retrieved March 22 2020 Elitou Tweety June 2 2022 Keke Wyatt Gives Birth To A Healthy Baby Boy My Husband Zackariah amp I Are Grateful To GOD BET External links editKeke Wyatt on Twitter Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Keke Wyatt amp oldid 1219792596, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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