Ann Nesby

by John Bush
Formerly the lead vocalist for the 30-piece gospel choir Sounds of Blackness, Ann Nesby struck out on her own in 1996 with an album for the Perspective label, Ann Nesby 1996. With the help of super-producers Jam & Lewis, the R&B-oriented LP scored a hit with "I'm Here for You." Nesby has contributed to several soundtracks (Batman, Mo' Money, Demolition Man) and tribute albums (to Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, John Lennon). She has also won two Grammy awards: one as part of Sounds of Blackness for the 1991 album Evolution of Gospel, plus another for the version of Handel's Messiah entitled A Soulful Celebration