Biography for
Lisa Velez More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

15 January 1966, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name

Lisa Velez

Nickname

Lisa Lisa

Height

5' (1.52 m)

Mini Biography

One of the greatest RnB/Pop divas to come out of the 1980's music scene, Lisa Velez scored a series of hits. Known by her stage name, Lisa Lisa, she and her band, "Cult Jam", produced 5 albums that sealed their fame in New York City's thriving musical scene.

The youngest of 10 children born in the Hell's Kitchen section of New York City, Lisa aspired to be a singer very early on in life. At the age of 13, Lisa would sneak out to nightclubs where she met Mike Hughes of "Cult Jam". Mike introduced her to Rap band Full Force. The band was immediately impressed with Lisa's angelic sounding voice and launched her to super-stardom.

The first Latin artist to make it big nationwide, Lisa Lisa is seen as a pioneer for any Latin artists who have entered the English-language market. She scored top 10 hits with songs like "I Wonder If I Take You Home," "All Cried Out," "Let The Beat Hit Em", "Lost In Emotion", "Little Jackie" and "Head to Toe".

After disbanding in 1994, Lisa released the funk-soul album "LL77" which included the Top 40 hit "Skip To My Lu" and her first Spanish-language track "Cuando Me Enamore" which peaked at #1 on Puerto Rico radio stations.

Later in the 90's Lisa starred in Broadway and off Broadway plays such as "Barrio Babes" and "West Side Story". In 2001, Lisa starred in the Nickelodeon series "Taina" playing Gloria Morales, Taina's young and sharp witted mother. Lisa also made a guest appearance on Law & Order's 300th episode in 2003.

Television performances on BET and the ALMA Awards indicated a comeback for the Latin RnB songstress. In 2009, Lisa released her seventh album "Life N Love", her first bilingual album.

In 2012, Lisa began working on her eighth studio album which has yet to be titled. Fans can catch her on her tour which is set to kick off on August 22nd.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Luis32789@aol.com

Spouse

Antonimar Mello

(January 2004 - present) 2 children

Trade Mark

Big Smile

Tattoo of the musical notes of her biggest hits around her ankle.

Trivia

After her contract with Columbia was up in 1993, Lisa Lisa left Cult Jam and made a run at a solo career with her album "LL77".

Lisa was awarded "Most Successful Latin American Musician" by President George Bush in 1990.

Lisa is a breast cancer survivor. She is an active spokesperson for breast cancer awareness.

Lisa recorded her first hit song at the age of 13, "I Wonder If I Take You Home".

Lisa wrote the anthem for the National Suicide Prevention Campaign titled "Someone To Love Me for Me" a duet with Full Force in 1987.

Lisa sang background vocals on Patti Labelle's "I Got It Like That".

Lisa had said that Nickelodeons "Taina" was loosely based on her childhood. She played Taina's mother in the show.

Lisa was the first Latino to cross over from the RnB to the Pop charts.

Lisa has sold over 20 million records. With over over 14 Top 40 hits.

Lisa's "Head to Toe" hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in July of 1987. Her second #1 "Lost In Emotion" peaked just two months later.

Lisa has toured with David Bowie, Teena Marie, New Edition, Run DMC, SWV, Salt N Pepa and Full Force.

Personal Quotes

If you got an arm put it up!

Where Are They Now

(August 2012) Philadelphia, PA: Performing live.