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Known for his eye for spotting new talent, music legend Quincy Jones has called Sheléa one of the greatest artists of her generation.
A vocalist, songwriter, pianist, arranger and producer, Sheléa also credits composer and producer David Foster as a mentor and has toured with him extensively.
Now all three major talents appear in this new PBS special, taped in Los Angeles in front of an intimate audience of invited guests.
Sheléa performs a wide range of songs, including a Whitney Houston medley, a tribute to Aretha Franklin and “Somewhere,” the haunting love song from “West Side Story.”
She also performs songs written by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, including “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” and “Make Me Rainbows.”
Sheléa’s breakout came in 2008 when Take 6 requested that she sing lead on “Someone to Watch Over Me” for their album, “The Standard,” which would go on to be nominated for a Grammy Award.
That track also caught the ear of music legend Stevie Wonder. When Wonder was asked to sing for the President and Michelle Obama at the White House in May 2012, honoring composers Burt Bacharach and Hal David with the Gershwin Prize, he felt it was a perfect opportunity to showcase Sheléa.
Her rendition of “Anyone Who Had a Heart” featuring Arturo Sandoval on trumpet brought down the house.
Sheléa’s debut album, “Love Fell On Me,” with Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight and Narada Michael Walden, featured the single “I’ll Never Let You Go,” which remained on the charts for 22+ weeks.
“Quincy Jones Presents: Sheléa” features the following performances:
- “Make Me Rainbows”
- “Misty”
- Whitney Houston Medley featuring David Foster
- “Love Fell On Me” (with Sheléa on piano)
- “Pretty World”
- “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”
- Aretha Spotlight: “Say a Little Prayer,” “Natural Woman” and “Respect”
- “Somewhere” featuring David Foster
- “The Easy Way” featuring Greg Phillinganes
- “The Right Time”
- “I Love the Lord” - Finale with choir
Credits:
An original production of PBS SoCal. Executive Producer: Maura Daly Phinney. Producer: Andy Trimlett.
