In a business of here todays and gone tomorrows, few artists have maintained the consistency of Cheryl Pepsii Riley. Cheryl, who is affectionately called Pepsii by her friends, exploded onto the music scene in 1988 with her debut album, "Me, Myself, and I". This album, unlike most being released during that time, featured songs filled with positive and encouraging messages. From that album, Cheryl recorded her 1 smash hit "Thanks For My Child". This song, considered by many women an anthem of hope and courage, catapulted this Brooklyn New York native to national and international acclaim.
Her follow-up project, "Chapter", produced the single "How Can You Hurt The One You Love", which continued in her vein of social consciousness by addressing the issue of domestic violence. In 1992 Cheryl changed record companies and released the album "All That". For this venture, as well as the last, Cheryl broadened her artistic involvement by writing and producing most of the songs including the hit single "Gimme".
Caught in the politics of the record industry, Pepsii changed faces and reunited with her first love - acting. Her first play, "Momma Don't", co-starring Rev. Rance Allen, Lynette Hawkins, and The Clark Sisters, proved that she was not to be pigeon-holed as a one-dimensional artist. Amazingly to date, Pepsii has starred in 11 national touring plays, all the while gaining a broader and more diverse audience base as a singer and an actress. She has toured the country on theater stages with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Glenn Jones, David Peaston, Beverly Todd, Adele Givens, David Hollister, Clifton Powell and Shemar Moore, with whom Pepsii starred in the romantic comedy "The Fabric of A Man". Cheryl has taken her acting even further and made her film debut in 1999 in the celebrated independent film and winner of a 1999 urban film festival award, "Colorz of Rage". This show stopping performer was featured in the stage play, "Madea's Class Reunion", written by and co-starring Mr. Tyler Perry. Currently, you can see and hear her artistry in the 2005 Blockbuster 1 hit movie and soundtrack, "Diary of A Mad Black Woman", as well as onstage with the stage play "Madea Goes To Jail", also written, produced, and starring Mr. Perry.
Considered by many as the greatest undiscovered discovery in the music industry, Cheryl's fans include such industry notables as Patti Labelle, Terry Lewis, and Mary J. Blige to name a few. Those missing her heartfelt and soulful voice will be happy to know that Ms. Riley has just finished recording a project that is sure to be a must-have on everyone's CD list. This time out she is definitely going to make plain to all in the know, that she is an all-around artist without limits. This project proves to be one where everyone will get to hear what they want. She says this recording encompasses a little funk, a little jazz, a little rock, a little blues, a little gospel, a little love. all filled to capacity with a lot of soul. "The most honest recording of my career", she states. And to anyone who listens, the sincerity of this project is indeed, quite evident.
If Cheryl is not touring the country with her own music or any number of theatrical productions, she can be found recording background vocals for artists like Angie Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Jones, David Hollister, Celine Dion, Matchbox Twenty, or perhaps you may find her on tour with an array of artists such as Missy Eilliot, Eve, Tweet, Patti Austin, Jessica Simpson, Chico DeBarge and Mary J. Blige. And, if you're lucky, ou may catch her just dropping in to sing at some of the most celebrated clubs in New York City. There is Café Wha, where she is actually one of the featured vocalists on what they call "Throwback Tuesdays" with the old school, real school band called "DisFunktion", and one of her favorite spots to frequent is The Village Underground, where Cheryl hosts what she calls, Black Velvet Mondays! It is a Back in the Day, Black Velvet Paintings, Blue Lights in da Basement, Musicians and Saaaaannnngggerrs Jam! This night is quickly garnering international interest and she invites all who are serious about their musical craft to come down and Share!
Cheryl says that in addition to finally finishing her new CD, entitled "Let Me Be Me", she wil also be writing and producing for other artists as well, including a new artist on the horizon that she will only say is her protégé and definitely a talent to be reckoned with. Amidst all of that, Cheryl plans to publish a book of poetry, work in television, and do more film. "I'm into telling stories", intones Pepsii. "I want to bring like experiences to each project, whatever it is, to reach out and affect people, heal people, and provide some kind of reality check. Times may change, but if you go with what's real, using the gifts that God has blessed you with, it will stand the test of time. That's what I want. Longevity!"
When asked to what she credits her success, this busy young lady answers humbly, her wonderfully supportive family and friends, and God's Great Grace and Mercy. For it is not about anything she herself has done, but ALL about what He has done and continues to do with her, for her and through her. So, when you speak of personality, quality, sincerity. consistency, the woman that must come to mind is none other than Cheryl Pepsii Riley!
An Artist, An Actress, A Lady, A Blessing!
