Amel Larrieux

New York singer Amel Larrieux emerged as the lilting, angelic voice behind Groove Theory, pairing with multi-instrumentalist (and former Mantronix member) Bryce Wilson for the neo-soul classic "Tell Me." The Top 10 hit powered Groove Theory's self-titled debut; released in 1995, the album also yielded a second hit, "Keep Tryin'." A five-year silence followed before Larrieux re-appeared in 2000, this time as a solo artist. However, despite industry buzz and support from Epic Records, Infinite Possibilities failed to make an impact. Undeterred, she launched an indie label, Blisslife Records, and joined the growing indie-soul scene. Subsequent albums such as 2005's Bravebird, 2006's Morning and 2007's covers album Lovely Standards delighted her loyal fan base. In 2004, her appearance alongside Glenn Lewis on jazz-funk bassist Stanley Clarke's "Where Is the Love" earned them a Grammy nomination.