Pamela Taylor and Audra “Dodi” Alexander form the Detroit-based female vocal duo Pam & Dodi, whose urban contemporary sound reflects a strong grounding in gospel and classic soul. Both singers possess powerful voices and wide ranges; they first crossed paths in the Motor City during 1996. The two quickly developed a close friendship and discovered their shared love for gospel as well as secular R&B, each having performed extensively in church settings. Although their self-titled debut album, issued in 2002, does not qualify strictly as a gospel project, several tracks convey a spiritual perspective, and the pair has supported the Clark Sisters, a prominent gospel and Christian R&B ensemble, by serving as background vocalists on tour. After working together as a duo for several years, Taylor and Alexander performed at a talent showcase in 1999 that secured them a contract with Diversified Entertainment Group, the management and production firm previously associated with former Brownstone member Nicci Gilbert, now a solo artist. Equipped with a demo, Diversified pursued a major-label agreement, resulting in Pam & Dodi signing with MCA in 2001. Recording for their self-titled debut began that same year under the guidance of producers Randy Jackson, noted for his Jackson 5 connection, Troy Oliver, and Steve “Stone” Huff, recognized for his contributions to projects by Avant and KeKe Wyatt. MCA issued the completed album in January 2002.
