Carleen Anderson

by Greg Prato
R&B singer Carleen Anderson was introduced to music at an early age, as both her mother (Vicki Anderson) and stepfather (pianist Bobby Byrd) toured throughout the 60s and 70s with the great James Brown. Due to her parents constantly being on the road, Anderson grew up in Houston, TX, and was raised by her grandparents, until relocating to Los Angeles to study music at the University of South California. Interestingly, Anderson was at first pursuing a career in teaching music, not performing, but when she was invited by her mother to sing at a J.B. All Stars in London circa 1988, Anderson changed her mind. She set up a residence in England, joining up with Young Disciples in the early 90s and appearing on their lone full-length release, 1991s Road to Freedom. After Young Disciples split in 1993, Anderson embarked on a solo career, issuing a pair of releases — 1994s True Spirit and 1998s Blessed Burden, in addition to lending her talents to recordings by such acclaimed British artists as Bryan Ferry (1994s Mamouna), Paul Weller, (1992s self-titled release and 1995s Stanley Road), and Dr. John (1998s Anutha Zone). Anderson was then invited to join the Brand New Heavies, but the union only last a short while, as she split from the group in the early 21st century to work on a third solo album.