Freeby Deniece Williams

This four-time Grammy winner has a four-octave voice. Born June Deniece Chandler in Gary, Indiana, she grew up singing in a Pentecostal church, which forbid the congregation to listen to anything but gospel music. Outside of wanting a 1959 Thunderbird, she had no serious ambitions but was deeply interested in music. Her favorite singers were Carmen McRae (for her diction) and Nancy Wilson, who, for Williams, exemplified class and elegance. However, her she also looked up to her parents, both of whom sang. Read a biography: www.allmusic.com

Deniece Williams was part of Wonderlove, working with Stevie Wonder.