Old School Saturdays--Peebles

photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pebbles_(Pebbles_album)

It’s Old School Saturday once again!!

Perri Reid, heard of her? How about “Pebbles”? If not, do you recognize these songs, “Mercedes Boys” or “Girlfriend”? I’m sure something has rang a bell.

Pebbles is/was a singer-songwriter in the genre of dance, pop, and urban contemporary music during the late 80s and early 90s. She was born August 29, in Oakland, CA. In the early 1980s, Pebbles sang backup for Bill Summers (percussionist/band leader) and the funk band Con Funk Shun. She also co-wrote “Body Lovers.” Peebles also teamed with Paula Abdul, singing backup for her 1988 album Forever Your Girl.

Pebbles had several hits during her recording years; many were chart toppers, including “Mercedes Boys,” “Girlfriend,” “Always,” and “Giving You the Benefit.” Amongst her hits, she is probably best known for managing and creating one of the best girl groups ever, TLC (T-Boz, Left-Eye, and Chilli). By 1994, their album Crazysexycool went platinum eleven times, making them one of pop’s biggest hit-making trios. Despite their success, the group alleged that Pebbles was mismanaging their finances, forcing them to declare bankruptcy; leading to her public and professional scrutiny. She publicly denied the allegations, but they ultimately parted ways, leaving their personal and professional relationships strained. During the same time, Peebles’ marriage to music producer L.A. Reid slowly fell apart, ending in divorce in 1996. Overwhelmed by both incidents, she left the secular music industry. Pebbles is now a Christian minister under the name of Sister Perri.

Although she went to a few trials and tribulations, she still made good music and I’ve put some of her hits in the playlist for you to enjoy.

pebbles