Biography
With a career spanning over two decades showcasing a backup singer’s dream resume, Lori Perry’s debut solo release , “I Found It In You” is long overdue. The California native’s alto vocals have been featured on some of the most critically acclaimed albums, movie soundtracks and television shows, but it is now time to introduce the world to the woman behind the smooth, silky voice.
Lori began singing as a child when her grandfather created a choir out of her entire family for his small church. She and her three older sisters, Carol, Darlene and Sharon formed the Gospel quartet, Perri and started singing regularly both inside and outside the church. The Perry sisters, known for their pitch and perfect harmonies, performed throughout their teenage years into adulthood and provided background vocals for jazz and R&B legends such as George Benson, Roberta Flack, Cher, Pat Metheny and Seal. The pinnacle of their career was landing the job of Anita Baker’s backup singers on her world tour.
Perri recorded three albums during the 1980s and stopped touring as a group in the 1990s, but Lori continued a successful career as a background vocalist and worked with artists such as Barry White, George Michael, Elton John, George Duke and Patti LaBelle. She was the voice behind theme song of the Lifetime television series, “Any Day Now” starring Lorraine Toussaint and Annie Potts. In the movie, “Set It Off” Lori’s song, “Up Against the Wind” played during the pivotal scene where Cleo, played by Queen Latifah, dies. For smooth jazz lovers, Lori is best known for her lead vocals on pianist, Brian Culbertson’s hit radio single, “Getting Over You.”
Lori’s debut album, “I Found It In You” is a fusion of Gospel, Jazz and R&B. It was birthed out of a calling by the Lord who told her she would never be fulfilled with her music until she went back to using her voice for Him. Lori calls her music spirit-based jazz and she was led by the Spirit to write almost every song on the project. “My testimony is actually one that encompasses the testimonies of many others. I feel compelled to be the voice for many individuals who don’t get the opportunity to put a microphone in their hand and reach thousands of people at one time. I want to tell their stories for them as well as walk you through my spiritual journey, “ says Lori.
“I Found It In You” features production work by Chris King who has worked with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, Quincy Jones, Richard Smallwood and Ludacris. George Duke, a father figure to Lori, is featured on the piano and strings, and Harpist, Jeff Majors also makes a guest appearance on the album.
Although Lori’s career is far from over, she has come back full circle to her roots—Gospel music. By adding her personal touch of smooth jazz vocals to Biblically laced lyrics, “I Found It In You” is sure to be a breath of fresh air and a hit with Gospel music lovers worldwide.
Written by: Kia Jones-Glenn
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