Ceybil Jefferies

Last updated
Ceybil Jefferies
Birth nameSybil Jefferies
Born1962 [1]
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedApril 2020
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1990s (first album)–2000s
Labels

Ceybil Jefferies, also known by the stage name Sweet Sable, was an American house and R&B vocalist best known for her work during the 1990s, including the 1996 Dutch house single, "It's Gonna Be Alright" with Deep Zone, which hit No. 20 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. [2] Her other best known singles include "Love So Special" and "Open Your Heart", both of which reached the top 20 of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 1991. [2] Jefferies, who sometimes went by the stage name Sweet Sable beginning in 1994, often changed the spelling of her name or reinvented it, depending on the release. [2] Variations of her name included Ceybil, Sable Jefferies, her birthname Sybil Jefferies, and Ceybil Jeffries. [2]

Jefferies should not be confused with Sybil, another American R&B and pop singer–songwriter.

Biography

Born Sybil Jefferies, she was a native of Brooklyn, New York. [2]

She initially signed with Atlantic Records, which released her debut album, Let Music Take Control in 1991. [2] Two singles from the album, "Love So Special" and "Open Your Heart," were both top 20 hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart that same year. [2]

Prior to the release of her sophomore album, Open Your Heart, Jefferies left Atlantic Records to sign with Scotti Brothers Records under the new artist name "Sable Jefferies". [2] The first single from the album, "Friends (For Old Time Sake)," was more heavily influenced by the new jack swing genre, rather than her earlier house music work. [2] "Friends (For Old Time Sake)" proved successful by reaching No. 15 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. [2] Shortened to "Old Time's Sake," her song was included on the Above the Rim film soundtrack in 1994 under her moniker Sweet Sable. [3]

The album also spawned two other singles, "Tonight" and "Love Thang," which both landed on the Billboard R&B chart. "Love Thang" reached No. 1 on the former Billboard Hot Dance Breakdowns chart in 1995, beating out Usher's "Think of You", which peaked at No. 2 behind Jefferies' song. [2]

In 1996, she collaborated with Dutch house group Deep Zone to provide vocals for the single, "It's Gonna Be Alright" under her original name Ceybil Jefferies. "It's Gonna Be Alright" peaked at No. 20 on the Dance Club Songs chart. [2] In a review at the time, Larry Flick from Billboard described the song as "a joyfully optimistic romp merging edgy house beats with keyboards that are, by turns, jazzy and retro-disco. Life in the urban lane has done wonders for Jefferies' voice, which is now far more assured and smooth." [4]

Jefferies continued to record and release music into the 2000s. However, she was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, an inflammatory type of sarcoidosis that severely affected her lungs and breathing capacity. [2] Her diagnosis effectively ended her singing career. [2] Additionally, Jefferies lost much of her vision due to the illness. [2] [3]

Jefferies died from COVID-19 in April 2020. Her death was announced and confirmed by music industry colleagues on April 10, 2020, including record producer Salaam Remi. [2] [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurythmics</span> British music duo

Eurythmics were a British pop duo formed in 1980, consisting of Scottish vocalist Annie Lennox and English musician and producer Dave Stewart. They were both previously in the Tourists, a band that broke up in 1980. They released their first studio album, In the Garden, in 1981 to little success, but achieved global acclaim with their second album, Sweet Dreams (1983). The title track became a worldwide hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number one in Canada and the US Billboard Hot 100. Eurythmics went on to release a string of hit singles and albums, including "Love Is a Stranger", "There Must Be an Angel " and "Here Comes the Rain Again", before splitting in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CeCe Peniston</span> American singer

Cecilia Veronica "CeCe" Peniston is an American singer and former beauty queen. In the early 1990s, she scored five number one hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play. Her signature song "Finally" reached the number 5 spot on the Hot 100 and number 2 in the UK Top 75.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alright (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Alright" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Written by Jackson and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the song was released on March 4, 1990, by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. In the United Kingdom, it was issued as the album's fifth single in June 1990.

Jocelyn Lorette Brown, sometimes credited as Jocelyn Shaw, is an American R&B and dance singer. Although she has only one Billboard Hot 100 chart entry solely in her name, she has an extensive background in the music industry and is well known in the world of dance music. Brown sang on 23 hit singles from the Official UK Singles Chart, 8 of which have reached the top 20.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leela James</span> American singer-songwriter from California

Alechia Janeice Campbell known professionally as Leela James, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang</span> 1993 single by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" is a song by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Dogg, on Dre's debut solo album, The Chronic (1992). As the album's first single it reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 20, 1993, behind "Informer" by Snow, outperformed The Chronic's other singles, "Fuck wit Dre Day ", which peaked at number 8, and "Let Me Ride", which peaked at number 34. The single also reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and was a number 31 hit in the UK. Its music video was directed by Dr. Dre himself.

<i>J to tha L–O! The Remixes</i> 2002 remix album by Jennifer Lopez

J to tha L–O! The Remixes is a remix album by American singer Jennifer Lopez, released February 1, 2002 by Epic Records. It contains remixes from Lopez's first two studio albums: On the 6 (1999) and J.Lo (2001). It features artists including P. Diddy, Ja Rule, Fat Joe and Nas, and includes dance and hip hop remixes of past singles. It was Lopez's second album to feature a Parental Advisory warning, after J.Lo, and the last to have one until the release of her eighth studio album, A.K.A., in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Gonna Be Alright</span> 2002 song by Jennifer Lopez

"I'm Gonna Be Alright" is a song by American singer Jennifer Lopez from her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was written by Lopez, Lorraine Cheryl Cook, Ronald LaPread and producers Cory Rooney and Troy Oliver. "I'm Gonna Be Alright" was remixed by Poke & Tone of Trackmasters for Lopez's first remix album, J to tha L-O! The Remixes (2002). It was released on April 1, 2002, by Epic Records as the album's second single. The remix features rapper Nas and achieved moderate success on the music charts worldwide, and peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lopez's sixth U.S. top ten single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alright (Jamiroquai song)</span> 1997 single by Jamiroquai

"Alright" is a song by British funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, released as the third single from their third studio album, Travelling Without Moving (1996). The song, written by Jamiroquai, contains samples from Eddie Harris' "It's All Right Now" and Idris Muhammad's "Could Heaven Ever Be Like This". "Alright" was released on 28 April 1997 via Sony Soho Square in the United Kingdom, peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart and at number two in Iceland. It is the group's only single to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 78. The music video, directed by Vaughan Arnell, features the band performing the song at a party.

<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.

Mark Picchiotti is an American DJ, producer, remixer and songwriter based out of Chicago, Illinois. As a remixer and producer, Picchiotti has amassed 24 number one singles on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and he has remixed such artists as Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Daft Punk, The Killers, AC/DC, Florence and The Machine, Amy Grant, Foster The People, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Sia, Sybil, Enriqué Iglesias, and Mary J. Blige. In 2002, he produced and co-wrote the Kylie Minogue single “Give It To Me” for her 8x-Platinum album Fever. Picchiotti was also voted one of the 40 most influential remixers of all time by UK publication Blues & Soul Magazine. His DJ residencies at nightclubs in his hometown of Chicago have included Shelter, Smartbar, Berlin, Crobar, and Medusa’s; as well as UK nightclubs Ministry of Sound (London) and Hard Times (Leeds). He continues to travel the globe performing at notable clubs such as Pacha (Portugal) and El Divino (Ibiza). He has also headlined the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival and DJed its infamous daytime after-party Laneway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. T. Oslin discography</span>

The discography of American country music singer-songwriter K. T. Oslin contains six studio albums, six compilation albums, one video album, seven music videos, 25 singles and six album appearances. Oslin signed a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1981. Both singles failed to become major hits. She then signed with RCA Records in 1987 and released the single "80's Ladies." The song became a top ten country hit, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in July 1987. Oslin's corresponding debut studio album of the same name reached number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and spent 148 weeks on the list. It would also be her highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 68. The album would sell one million copies and spawn the number one hits "Do Ya" and "I'll Always Come Back." Oslin's second album, This Woman was released in 1988 and was her second record to certify platinum in sales. It was her second-highest charting album on the country chart, reaching number two in 1989. Its second single, "Hold Me," topped the country songs chart in January 1989. The album also spawned the top ten hits "Hey Bobby" and the title track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everything's Gonna Be Alright (Sweetbox song)</span> 1997 single by Sweetbox

"Everything's Gonna Be Alright" is a song by German-based music group Sweetbox. It was released in October 1997 as the second single from their debut album, Sweetbox (1998), the only album that had American singer Tina Harris as the group's frontwoman. The song is based on "Air" from Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3, played on the track by the German Symphony Orchestra. "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" is the most successful song of Sweetbox worldwide; it reached the top five in Austria, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Outside Europe, the song peaked at number 46 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CeCe Peniston discography</span>

American recording artist CeCe Peniston entered the music industry as a backup vocalist on the Overweight Pooch's album Female Preacher, released in July 1991 on A&M Records. Shortly before that, she was featured on the B-side to 12-inch single "I Can't Take the Power" by male rapper Marvelous JC. Besides her vocal performance on the Pooch's only charting track, "I Like It", she was given a credit for co-writing two compositions; "Kickin' Da Blues" and the titular "Female Preacher". Soon after, the singer pursued a solo career. By now, Peniston has released four studio albums including one as a member of The Sisters of Glory, two remix collections, one live album, four compilations and one live extended play (EP). Her singles discography features twenty-nine physical releases, twenty-one digital-only, seven promotional recordings and twenty-six other appearances; regardless of their format. She has also been included on one video album and has made fourteen music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Got a Love Thang</span> 1992 single by CeCe Peniston

"We Got a Love Thang" is a song by American singer-songwriter CeCe Peniston, originally released in January 1992 as the second single from her debut album, Finally (1992). The song was co-written by Chantay Savage, and became the second number one hit for the artist, remaining on the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for two weeks. In the United Kingdom, the title scored number six, while on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached number twenty. The song contains a sample of the drum break from "Rock with You" by Michael Jackson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I'm Good and Ready</span> 1993 single by Sybil

"When I'm Good and Ready" is a song by American R&B and pop singer-songwriter Sybil, released on March 8, 1993, as the first single from her fifth album, Good 'N' Ready (1993). Written and produced by Stock/Waterman, it also features backing vocals by Mae McKenna, Stock and Miriam Stockley. It went on to become one of her most successful songs and a major hit on the charts in Europe, reaching the top 10 in the UK and Ireland, and was a top-20 hit in Austria and a top-50 hit in Germany. In 1997, "When I'm Good and Ready" was re-released in a new remix by UK remix, production and songwriting team Love to Infinity, which achieved a moderate success on the national chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Gonna Be Alright (Ruby Turner song)</span> 1989 single by Ruby Turner

"It's Gonna Be Alright" is a song written and performed by Jamaican contemporary R&B singer Ruby Turner, issued as the lead single from her third studio album Paradise. It contains a sample of "Keep On Movin'" by Soul II Soul. The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart on February 17, 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Gonna Be Alright (Deep Zone song)</span> 1995 single by Deep Zone

"It's Gonna Be Alright" (also known as "It's Gonna Be Alright (Help is on the Way)") is a song by Dutch house project Deep Zone featuring vocals by American singer Ceybil Jefferies. Released in 1995, it became a big club anthem and a chart success in Europe, peaking at number seven in Belgium, number 14 in the UK and number 20 in the Netherlands. Outside Europe, it peaked at number-one in Israel in May 1996, and at number 20 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Alright, I Feel It!</span> 1997 single by Nuyorican Soul

"It's Alright, I Feel It!" is a song by Nuyorican Soul, a project by the house-garage production and remix team of "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez. It features American singer Jocelyn Brown, who also co-wrote it, and was released in 1997 as the third single from their debut album, Nuyorican Soul (1997). The song peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the UK Dance Singles Chart, while in the US, it reached number three on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

References

  1. Ceybil 'Sweet Sable' Jefferies (1962-2020)
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Thompson, Desire (2020-04-13). "Vocalist Ceybil Jefferies, Also Known As Sweet Sable, Has Died From Coronavirus". Vibe . Archived from the original on 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  3. 1 2 3 Gunn, Tamantha (2020-04-14). "Ceybil Jefferies reportedly passes away due to complications from Coronavirus". Revolt (TV network) . Archived from the original on 2020-04-24. Retrieved 2020-04-25.
  4. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (5 August 1995). "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p.  25 via Internet Archive. deep zone it's gonna be alright chart.{{cite magazine}}: |last= has generic name (help); Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)