Like many of the most memorable bad-ass diva voices in the world, Rowetta’s was easily recognized at a young age. Same story, different star. Dropping jaws as a pre-teen with an energetic breath, and singing professionally by the age of 21 (see: Whitney Houston, Beyoncé Knowles (Carter?), and my personal favorite, Alicia Keys).
Rowetta Idah is a half black half Jewish vocal queen raised by her single mother. Later, she began releasing singles in 1987. In 1989, she broke out after being featured on a hit track “Reach Out” with a band called Sweet Mercy.
If it may happen to sound familiar to you, then maybe you have enjoyed it's use in the track “Be” from the big guns of the EDM world, Laidback Luke & Steve Angello.
In addition the song has been used as a sample in tracks by Todd Terry, and most notably in the massive hit “Boom Boom Pow” from the Black Eyed Peas. Rowetta toured the world with the group Happy Mondays, came back to life bigger than ever by finishing second in the the 2004 season of X-Factor, and even starred as herself in a movie about her biggest year in the spotlight (24 Hour Party People).
Trust me those pipes are still working, and on this track where she busts ‘em out for Mirror People, the power, hunger, and dictation she delivers, reminds us that true talent never dies.
P.S. Follow the triumphant return of Happy Mondays, with album and tour plans in 2013.