Cheryl Lynn, the talented artist, had significant collaborations with renowned figures like David Foster, David Paich, Ray Parker, Jr., Luther Vandross, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. These collaborations not only led to her major hits like ‘Got to Be Real,’ ‘Shake It Up Tonight,’ ‘If This World Were Mine,’ and ‘Encore’ but also contributed to the success of her collaborators, showcasing her powerful and vibrant voice honed in her church upbringing. As a skilled songwriter and producer, Cheryl Lynn reached the peak of her creativity and commercial success between 1978 and 1983, releasing three Top Ten R&B albums, including her gold-certified debut Cheryl Lynn (1978), Instant Love (1982), and Preppie (1983). After several albums with Columbia, she went on to record with Manhattan and Virgin, her last album being in the mid-’90s, maintaining intermittent performances and recordings.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cheryl Lynn’s musical journey began in church where her mother served as a music director. Transitioning from her studies in speech therapy, she pursued acting and singing, eventually landing roles including a stint with The Wiz touring company. Recognized for her talent on The Gong Show, Cheryl Lynn’s career took off with her signature song ‘Got to Be Real,’ co-written with David Foster and David Paich. The success continued with her self-titled debut album, featuring hits like ‘Star Love’ and ‘You Saved My Day,’ solidifying her status in the music industry. Throughout the years, she collaborated with various artists like Ray Parker, Jr., Luther Vandross, and Miller, producing memorable tracks that resonated with audiences worldwide, marking her presence in the vibrant music scene of the era.