Carleen Anderson is an American soul singer from Houston, Texas. Born in 1957, she grows up in the United States and later builds much of her career in the United Kingdom, where she finds her greatest success.

Background

Anderson is the daughter of singer Vicki Anderson and the step-daughter of Bobby Byrd. She is also a cousin of Jhelisa. She is raised by her paternal grandparents in Houston during the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Her mother performs as a featured singer with James Brown in the 1960s and 1970s, and Brown is Anderson’s godfather.

She briefly marries in 1978 and has a son. After the marriage ends, she spends much of the 1980s living in California as a single parent while trying to establish her singing career. Her first major recording success comes in 1988, when she sings on a track by Bobby Byrd.

Young Disciples and early UK success

In June 1990, Anderson relocates with her son to England. There she forms the acid jazz group Young Disciples with Marc Nelson and Femi Williams. The group’s only album, Road to Freedom (Talkin’ Loud, 1991), is a success and includes the breakout single “Apparently Nothin’” (Talkin’ Loud, 1992). Anderson gains attention as the group’s lead singer and keyboardist.

Her work with Young Disciples leads to a solo recording contract with Virgin Records in 1992.

Solo career and collaborations

Anderson records backing vocals for Paul Weller’s self-titled solo album in 1992, beginning a long working relationship and friendship. Weller helps with production and songwriting on her first solo release, The Dusky Sapho EP (Circa/Virgin, 1993). She also contributes backing and guest vocals for a wide range of artists, including Galliano, Bryan Ferry and the first volume of Guru’s Jazzmatazz project.

Her first solo album, True Spirit (Circa/Virgin, 1994), follows and achieves moderate critical and commercial success. She continues her collaboration with Paul Weller by adding backing vocals, alongside her sister Pamela, on Stanley Road (1995) and Heavy Soul (1997). Weller then works with her on her second solo album, Blessed Burden (Circa/Virgin, 1998), which marks the end of her period with Virgin.

Later work

After leaving Virgin, Anderson briefly serves as lead vocalist for the Brand New Heavies after N’Dea Davenport departs. She continues to record guest and backing vocals while making her first independently produced album, Alberta’s Granddaughter (Dusky Sappho Music, 2002). This is followed by the compilation Up To Now: The Best Of (Virgin, 2004).

She later moves to Dome Records for Soul Providence (2005). Her style is associated with soul, acid jazz, funk and neo soul.