Susannah Melvoin

Susannah Melvoin (born January 26, 1964) is an American vocalist and songwriter, best known for her association with Prince in the mid-1980s. Coming from a musical family, Melvoin is the twin sister of musician Wendy Melvoin, sister of Jonathan Melvoin (former touring keyboardist with the Smashing Pumpkins), and daughter of jazz pianist (and former NARAS president) Michael Melvoin.

Susannah Melvoin
Born (1964-01-26) January 26, 1964
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresRock, funk, pop, new wave, Minneapolis sound, R&B
Occupation(s)Vocalist, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1984–present
Associated actsPrince, The Revolution, The Family

Work with Prince

Melvoin got her start working with Prince in the mid-1980s during sister Wendy's stint with the Revolution. During this period, Melvoin was tapped to be a joint lead vocalist of one of Prince's side projects, the Family. Prince wrote the Family's 1985 song, "Nothing Compares 2 U", about Melvoin.[1] The song charted when Sinéad O'Connor covered it in 1990.

Later, Melvoin joined the expanded line-up of the Revolution, adding backing vocals to Parade, including the 1986 single "Anotherloverholenyohead". She designed the Dream Factory jacket, and, in addition to Wendy & Lisa of the Revolution, received a credit on Sign o' the Times (she co-wrote the song "Starfish and Coffee").

Melvoin was engaged to Prince,[2] and during their relationship he wrote several songs about her.[3]

Later work

Melvoin has subsequently worked as a background vocalist for such artists as Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, and Mike Oldfield among others and has performed vocals on Wendy & Lisa's albums.

As a songwriter, she has co-written songs performed by Madonna (Melvoin co-wrote Ray of Light's fourth track "Candy Perfume Girl"), Eric Clapton, and Doyle Bramhall II of Arc Angels.

She has also performed in small or cameo roles in three small-budget films, including Skin & Bone and Luster.

References
  1. Lewis, Everett, DVD commentary, Luster
  2. Elan, Priya (September 20, 2008). "Purple Reign". The Guardian.
  3. Nilsen, Per (2003). Dance Music Sex Romance: Prince: The First Decade. SAF. p. 199. ISBN 0-946719-64-0.
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