School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Carleen Anderson

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Carleen Anderson is an American singer, composer and musician, born in 1957 in Houston, Texas, and living in the United Kingdom since 1990. She was already singing solo for the congregation at the age of three. At seven she composed songs, played the piano by ear and led the choir of the Anderson Memorial Church of God in Christ, where her grandfather was the preacher. Her aunt Betty Faye Anderson, a gospel singer and soprano with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, influenced her voice. Later she studied classical music and jazz in Los Angeles, and as a single mother of a son she worked as a tutor.

Music and breakthrough

In England she was the singer, composer and musician of the Young Disciples. Her solo career began in 1992. On Virgin Records' Circa label, the EP Dusky Sappho appeared in 1993, and in 1994 her debut album True Spirit, with the singles Mama Said, Let It Last and Nervous Breakdown. The second album, Blessed Burden from 1998, had success with Woman in Me and a version of Paul McCartney's Maybe I'm Amazed. Alberta's Granddaughter followed in 2002, Soul Providence in 2005 and Cage Street Memorial, The Pilgrimage in 2016. She often collaborated with others and wrote futuristic operas.

Influence

Her voice comes from gospel and soul, and found a home in England in acid jazz and dance music. She shows how the singing tradition of the church and modern British club music can strengthen each other.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Mama Said from True Spirit and pay attention to her voice. Hear how gospel and soul resonate in her singing over a modern rhythm.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

Categories: Artists