Paula Campbell

During her youth in Baltimore, Maryland, R&B vocalist Paula Campbell answered to the nickname Sparkle among friends, a reference to Irene Cara’s character in the film of that title. She matched the character’s drive to reach stardom irrespective of barriers. The sounds of Stevie Wonder, Teena Marie, and Sheena Easton motivated her to sidestep neighborhood drug hustlers and other harmful pressures while concentrating on her skills. She pored over the credits listed inside every purchased album, compiled the names of A&R representatives at various labels, and reached out to them directly in hopes of securing a deal. Following wins at talent contests and spots in area showcases, she put out the independent single “How Does It Feel?,” which held the number-one position on local station WERQ’s playlist for eight weeks. Her first album, Who Got Next?, arrived independently in 2004 and contained a cover of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam’s “I Wonder If I Take You Home.” One year afterward she entered into an agreement with major label Sony.