Sarah Jane Morris

Sarah Jane Morris, a British diva, originated from Southampton, England, where she enrolled at London's Central School of Speech and Drama at the same time she launched her musical path by interpreting jazz and soul standards in neighborhood venues. Early professional work included periods alongside the Annie Whitehead Band and the Latin ensemble the Republic, yet widespread attention arrived via her featured role with Jimmy Somerville on the Communards' chart-topping 1986 disco rendition of "Don't Leave Me This Way." The performer's first solo album arrived in 1989 and contained a provocative interpretation of Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones"; once she completed touring duties with Simply Red, Morris resumed stage work with a 1991 appearance in The Beggars Opera. Her follow-up release, Heaven, crafted by producer Martyn Ware, surfaced the next year, while the concert set Blue Valentine reached listeners in 1995. After largely withdrawing from public view for the balance of the decade, she delivered Fallen Angel in 2000.