Biography
Teddy Riley, widely recognized as the "King of New Jack Swing," built an enviable body of platinum-certified work as a producer and songwriter for acts including Guy, the Winans, Joe, Johnny Kemp, Blackstreet, Keith Sweat, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Hi-Five, and Al B. Sure. The Riley-produced single "Stutter" by Joe reached the top of both the R&B and pop charts in early 2001, adding to a roster of chart successes that extends well beyond these names.
Riley entered the world in Harlem and spent his childhood in the St. Nicholas projects. He took up drums at the age of three, followed by guitar and trumpet when he turned five. At eight he began accompanying services on piano at the Little Flower Baptist Church, and in subsequent years he performed with local bands throughout New York. An introduction to Kool and the Gang’s Royal Bayyan opened the door to record production and songwriting techniques. Partnering with Gene Griffin during the mid-’80s, Riley channeled those skills into platinum-selling material for the vocal trio Guy, which featured himself alongside brothers Aaron Hall and Damion Hall. One of his first credits was the 1988 Virgin album We Belong Together by Deja.
When Guy dissolved in the early ’90s, Riley assembled Blackstreet with Chauncey Hannibal, Dave Hollister, and Levi Little. Their self-titled debut reached platinum status, and the follow-up Another Level yielded the million-selling single “No Diggity.” Seeking relief from urban intensity, Riley relocated to Virginia in the mid-’90s and established the advanced Future Recording Studios there.
Riley entered the world in Harlem and spent his childhood in the St. Nicholas projects. He took up drums at the age of three, followed by guitar and trumpet when he turned five. At eight he began accompanying services on piano at the Little Flower Baptist Church, and in subsequent years he performed with local bands throughout New York. An introduction to Kool and the Gang’s Royal Bayyan opened the door to record production and songwriting techniques. Partnering with Gene Griffin during the mid-’80s, Riley channeled those skills into platinum-selling material for the vocal trio Guy, which featured himself alongside brothers Aaron Hall and Damion Hall. One of his first credits was the 1988 Virgin album We Belong Together by Deja.
When Guy dissolved in the early ’90s, Riley assembled Blackstreet with Chauncey Hannibal, Dave Hollister, and Levi Little. Their self-titled debut reached platinum status, and the follow-up Another Level yielded the million-selling single “No Diggity.” Seeking relief from urban intensity, Riley relocated to Virginia in the mid-’90s and established the advanced Future Recording Studios there.
Albums
Singles
