Regina Belle

Regina Belle built a lasting reputation as a versatile and reliably compelling singer across the urban contemporary landscape. A native of New Jersey, she first immersed herself in gospel music while also developing an affinity for R&B as a child. She took up trombone, tuba, and steel drums, and at age twelve she captured first place in a school competition by performing the Emotions’ “Don’t Ask My Neighbors.” Belle later joined a local vocal ensemble and pursued formal training in opera and jazz at the college level. New York radio personality Vaughn Harper connected her with the Manhattans, leading to regular appearances as their opening act. In 1986 she joined the group for the Bobby Womack–produced duet “Where Did We Go Wrong.” Columbia Records signed her as a solo artist the following year; her debut single “Please Be Mine” drew strong reviews and peaked at number two on the R&B chart. The follow-up “So Many Tears” reached the R&B Top 20, while her pairing with Peabo Bryson on “Without You” stood out as the sole noteworthy element of the motion picture Leonard, Part 6. Her sophomore album Stay with Me cemented her standing and opened the door to further recognition. She issued Passion in 1993, then resurfaced five years afterward with Believe in Me. Subsequent projects arrived with 2001’s This Is Regina! and 2004’s Lazy Afternoon. Returning to gospel origins, Belle released Love Forever Shines in 2008. Shortly after pivoting toward gospel full time she received a brain-tumor diagnosis in 2009. Following an extended and demanding course of treatment she regained her health and delivered the second gospel project Higher in 2012. Her tenth studio album, The Day Life Began, appeared in 2015. Crafted by Jamie Jones and Jack Kugell, collectively known as the Heavy Weights, the record spotlighted the tracks “He’s Alright,” “You Saw the Good in Me,” and “Be Careful Out There.”