Alison Limerick

Last updated

Alison Limerick
Alison Limerick Kongsberg Jazzfestival 2022 (220810).jpg
Limerick at the stage in 2022
Background information
Born1959 (age 6465)
Origin Stepney, London, England
Genres House, dance, dance-pop, pop, soul, jazz
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1980–present
Labels Arista/BMG, X-Es
Website Alison Limerick booking webpage

Alison T. Limerick (born 1959, Stepney) is a British singer-songwriter who scored success in the 1990s with the club anthem "Where Love Lives", which was her solo debut and a No. 3 hit on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play in 1991.

Contents

Biography

Limerick attended the London School of Contemporary Dance and switched to a music career, first as a backing vocalist, in the 1980s. [1] She sang on Grand Union Orchestra's 1986 world jazz album The Song of Many Tongues, written by Tony Haynes. [2]

In 1989, she made a brief appearance as an African sorceress in Bob Rafelson's film, Mountains of the Moon . She has also contributed to This Mortal Coil, singing on two of its albums: Filigree & Shadow (1986) and Blood (1991). [1] Another 4AD related contribution found her singing on the Pieter Nooten & Michael Brook album Sleeps with the Fishes (1987) on the song "Equal Ways." She appeared on Peter Murphy's album Holy Smoke and released her own first album in 1992. [1]

Limerick is best known for her 1990s club anthems, her most successful and best known track being "Where Love Lives," her only US release, which was originally a club success in 1991, and a UK Singles Chart No. 9 hit when remixed in 1996. [3] Her 1992 hit "Make It on My Own" reached No. 16 in the UK chart. These tracks were included on the album And Still I Rise , which was also released in 1992. Three further albums were released throughout the 1990s; With a Twist, Club Classics, and Spirit Rising. The single "Put Your Faith in Me" came out in 1997. [1] [3]

"Where Love Lives" has made three separate appearances in the US Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1991 (#3), 1996 (#4) and 2003 (#16). [4] None of her albums were released in the US. Limerick was the featured vocalist on the 1995 James Taylor Quartet album In the Hand of the Inevitable, on the album's three solo vocal tracks. The tracks included the single "Love Will Keep Us Together" and the album remains the Acid Jazz label's biggest selling album.

Limerick has worked with many famous artists and songwriters such as George Michael, Courtney Pine and Lamont Dozier. In 1993 she sang backing vocals on M People's song "Melody of Life" from the album Elegant Slumming . She appears in the British movie Collusion as the jazz singer and she is also notable as one of the (uncredited) singers heard performing the closing title song on each episode of Blackadder the Third . [5]

She continues to record and perform live with Brooklyn Funk Essentials, for PAs, and with her own band. She can be heard singing soul and jazz, in various venues across Europe, and found being the Dance Diva in house music venues around the world performing her all-time classics like "Where Love Lives" and "Make It on My Own".

Discography

Albums

Singles

YearSingleChart peaksCertificationsAlbum
EUR
[6] [7] [8] [9] [10]
UK
[11]
UK Dance
[12] [13] [14] [15] [16]
UK Club
[17] [18] [19]
SCO
[20] [21] [22]
US Dance
[4]
1990"Where Love Lives"87 And Still I Rise
1991"Where Love Lives (Come On In) '91"492723
"Come Back (For Real Love)"53
1992"Make It on My Own"6416116
"Gettin' It Right"57
"Hear My Call"73
1994"Time of Our Lives"93365With a Twist
"Love Come Down"95368
1996"Where Love Lives '96"20911214Club Classics
"Make It on My Own '96"84301333
1997"Put Your Faith in Me"422352Spirit Rising
1998"Let's Hold On (To Love)"
2003"Where Love Lives '03"4454916Single only
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Professional Widow</span> 1996 single by Tori Amos

"Professional Widow" is a song written by the American singer-songwriter Tori Amos, released on her third album, Boys for Pele (1996). It is a harpsichord-driven rock song and its lyrics are rumored to have been inspired by the American songwriter Courtney Love. The song was released on July 2, 1996 by Atlantic and EastWest, as the third single from the Boys for Pele album in the US, containing remixes by the house music producers Armand van Helden and MK. The single reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In Italy, the original version peaked at number two in October 1996. An edited version of the Armand's Star Trunk Funkin' Mix of "Professional Widow" was originally released as a double A-side single with "Hey Jupiter" in Europe and Australia.

The European Hot 100 Singles was compiled by Billboard and Music & Media magazine from March 1984 until December 2010. The chart was based on national singles sales charts in 17 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Not Over Yet (Grace song)</span> 1993 single by Grace

"Not Over Yet" is a song by British dance act Grace. Originally released in 1993 under the band name State of Grace, it was re-released in March 1995 as the first single from their only album, If I Could Fly (1996). It received critical acclaim from music critics, peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart and number-one on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Lead vocals and backing vocals were performed by singer Patti Low. In 1995, the lead vocals were replaced by new frontwoman and singer, Dominique Atkins for the album release, although Low's backing vocals remained in place. This Atkins/Low combination appeared on all subsequent re-releases and remixes of the track. The woman who appears in the accompanying music video is Low.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jump to the Beat</span> 1980 single by Stacy Lattisaw

"Jump to the Beat" is a song written by Narada Michael Walden and Lisa Walden. It was originally released by American singer Stacy Lattisaw in 1980 when it became a big hit in the UK, peaking at No. 3. It was later covered by Australian singer Dannii Minogue on her debut album, Love and Kisses, in 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midnight at the Oasis</span> 1974 single by Maria Muldaur

"Midnight at the Oasis" is a song by the American singer Maria Muldaur from her 1973 debut album, Maria Muldaur. Written by David Nichtern, it is her best-known recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insomnia (Faithless song)</span> 1995 single by Faithless

"Insomnia" is a song by British musical group Faithless. Released as the band's second single, it became one of their most successful. It was originally released in 1995 and reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart, topping the UK Dance Chart in the process. When re-released in October 1996, the song achieved a new peak of number three in the United Kingdom and topped the charts of Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as the American and Canadian dance charts. It also featured on Faithless's 1996 debut album, Reverence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salva Mea</span> 1995 single by Faithless

"Salva Mea" is a song by British electronic band Faithless, written by members Rollo, Sister Bliss, and Maxi Jazz. The female vocals on all versions are performed by Rollo's sister Dido. "Salva Mea" was released in 1995 as the group's first single and became a hit on the UK Dance Singles Chart; following a re-release in 1996, it peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart. The single topped the US Hot Dance Club Play chart twice—during its first chart run in 1996 and again in 1997 when the track was remixed and reissued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">100% Pure Love</span> 1994 single by Crystal Waters

"100% Pure Love" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Crystal Waters from her second studio album, Storyteller (1994). It was released on April 11, 1994 by Mercury and A&M (UK), as the album's lead single. The song was a hit in many countries, reaching the top 20 in Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is certified platinum in Australia and gold in the US. In 1995, it was awarded the prize for Top ASCAP Dance Song. And its accompanying music video, directed by Marcus Nispel, was nominated for Best Dance Video at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Love I Lost</span> 1973 single by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

"The Love I Lost" is a song by American R&B group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Group member Teddy Pendergrass sang lead vocals. Originally written as a ballad by Philly soul songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the song was transformed into a funk song and features drummer Earl Young. It was released from the Black & Blue album in late 1973 and sold more than a million copies. In the 21st century, the track has been the subject of extended re-edits by notable remixers Tom Moulton, Theo Parrish, and Dimitri From Paris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Bird (Annie Lennox song)</span> 1993 single by Annie Lennox

"Little Bird" is a song composed and recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox. Taken from her debut solo album, Diva (1992), it was produced by Stephen Lipson and released in February 1993 by RCA and BMG as a double A-side with "Love Song for a Vampire" in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and various other European countries. In other territories, "Little Bird" was released alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Change (Lisa Stansfield song)</span> 1991 single by Lisa Stansfield

"Change" is a song by British singer-songwriter and actress Lisa Stansfield from her second album, Real Love (1991). The song was written by Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, and produced by Devaney and Morris. It was released as the lead single on 7 October 1991 by Arista Records. "Change" was remixed by Frankie Knuckles and Driza Bone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Wanna Be a Star</span> 1995 single by Corona

"I Don't Wanna Be a Star" is a song by Italian band Corona, released in November 1995 as the fourth and final single from their debut album, The Rhythm of the Night (1995). It was a club hit in many European countries, but unlike the previous Corona singles, it has disco sonorities. The song peaked at number one in both Italy and Spain, number five in Hungary and number six in Finland. In the UK and on the Eurochart Hot 100, it peaked within the top 30. It was Corona's last major hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now That We Found Love</span> 1973 song by the OJays

"Now That We Found Love" is a song written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and originally recorded by American R&B/soul vocal group The O'Jays for their seventh album, Ship Ahoy (1973).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved)</span> 1994 single by Donna Summer

"Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved)" is a song by American singer and songwriter Donna Summer. It was released on October 31, 1994 by Mercury Records and Casablanca Records as a new track and the lead single for her 1994 hits compilation album, Endless Summer: Donna Summer's Greatest Hits. The song was written by Summer, David Cole, Robert Clivillés and Joe Carrano, and produced by Summer and Welcome Productions. It just missed the top 20 in the United Kingdom and was a top-40 hit in Belgium. The song was formed with several remixes and was her tenth number one hit on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. In Australia, the single peaked at number 79 in December 1994. It was awarded the ASCAP Dance Song of the Year prize in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People Hold On</span> 1989 single by Coldcut

"People Hold On" is a song by British band Coldcut and singer-songwriter Lisa Stansfield, released as the first single from the band's debut album, What's That Noise? (1989). It was written by Matt Black, Jonathan More and Stansfield, and produced by Coldcut. The song received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success. It was released as a single on 13 March 1989 and reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number six on the US Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart. The song was remixed by Blaze, Juan Atkins, Dimitri from Paris, Mark Saunders, Eric Kupper, Tyrone Perkins and Masters At Work.

Sarah Washington is a British pop, electronic dance and hi-NRG singer. Before branching out as a solo artist, under her real name she was lead singer in the jazzy house-pop group 'Souled Out'. This included an album and several well received singles by the dance community. Later in the 1990s after a name change to Washington, she had four singles reach the UK Singles Chart. She is probably most known for her dance-cover of "I Will Always Love You" which was released in 1993. It peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, number 15 in Ireland and number three in Spain. Later same year, she recorded a dance version of the George Michael hit "Careless Whisper" that peaked at number 45 in the UK. Almighty Records released an updated version of the song with new versions in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)</span> 1991 single by Rozalla

"Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)" is a song by Zambian-born Zimbabwean singer Rozalla, released in August 1991 as the second single from her second album, Everybody's Free (1992). It had been a staple in the clubs in Ibiza and Mallorca in the summer of 1991, and hordes of recovering ravers were delighted to find "that tune about being free to feel good and stuff" was available to buy back home. Upon its release, the song reached number two in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, while entering the top 10 in Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. On the Eurochart Hot 100, the single reached number six, and in Zimbabwe, it peaked at number four. It also topped the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Several music videos have been made to promote the song. It is widely regarded as one of the biggest dance anthems of the 1990s and it has been remixed and re-released several times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Love Lives</span> 1990 single by Alison Limerick

"Where Love Lives (Come On In)" is a song by British singer-songwriter and former dancer Alison Limerick, released first time in November 1990. It was her solo-debut and received favorable reviews from music critics, becoming a massive club hit in the early 1990s in both the United Kingdom and United States. In 1991, the single peaked at number 27 in the UK and number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the US. It was also voted Dance Track of 1991 by Billboard magazine. In 1992, it was included on Limerick's debut album, And Still I Rise. In 1996, it was released in a new remix by Dancing Divaz, peaking at number nine in the UK and number four on the dance chart in the US. The song is famous for the funked-up piano intro and remains the singer's most successful release. It is now widely regarded as one of the biggest club anthems of all time, and has been remixed and re-released several times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Always There (Side Effect song)</span>

"Always There" is a 1975 song by Ronnie Laws and William Jeffrey from Laws' album Pressure Sensitive. After producer Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders enlisted lyricist Paul B Allen III to create a vocal version of the tune, officially making Allen a co-writer, it was re-recorded in 1976 by American R&B group Side Effect for their third album, What You Need. It was a minor hit, reaching the top 5 on the US Dance chart; however it was a larger hit for Incognito and Jocelyn Brown in 1991, whose version reached no. 6 in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make It on My Own</span> 1992 single by Alison Limerick

"Make It on My Own" is a song by British singer-songwriter and former dancer Alison Limerick, released in February 1992 by BMG as the second single from her debut solo album, And Still I Rise (1992). The song was a hit in the clubs and reached number 16 in the United Kingdom. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 64, while in the United States, it peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. In 1996, the song was remixed by house music producers Dancing Divaz and this version peaked at number 30 in the UK.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ankeny, Jason. "Artist Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved 13 February 2009.
  2. Jazz, All About (9 November 2014). "Grand Union Orchestra: Grand Union Orchestra: The Song of Many Tongues album review @ All About Jazz". All About Jazz. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 322. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  4. 1 2 "Alison Limerick – US Dance Club Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  5. "Howard Goodall official site". Howardgoodall.co.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  6. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 27 April 1991. p. 33. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  7. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 14 March 1992. p. 23. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  8. "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . 22 January 1994. p. 13. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  9. "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . 26 March 1994. p. 20. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  10. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 21 September 1996. p. 16. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  11. "Alison Limerick – UK Chart". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  12. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 6 April 1991. p. 20. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  13. "Official UK Dance Singles Chart (30 June 1996-06 July 1996)". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  14. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 29 February 1992. p. 22. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  15. "Official UK Dance Singles Chart (08 September 1996 - 14 September 1996)". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  16. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40 17 August 1997 - 23 August 1997". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  17. "The RM Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). 18 December 1993. p. 4. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  18. "The RM Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). 26 February 1994. p. 10. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  19. "The RM Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). 15 June 1996. p. 6. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  20. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 09 March 2003 - 15 March 2003". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  21. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 (08 September 1996 - 14 September 1996)". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  22. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 17 August 1997 - 23 August 1997". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  23. "British certifications – Alison Limerick – Where Love Lives". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 15 May 2022.