Mesmerizing, sultry, captivating and soulful.
These are just a few of the words that describe the multi-talented, internationally-known recording artist CeCe Peniston.
Best known for her debut album and single “Finally,” CeCe is one of the most unique and consistent artists in recent years. The talented singer went on to gain fame with singles like “We Got A Love Thang,” “Keep On Walkin, I'm Not Over You” and “Hit By Love,” all which thrust her past the “one-hit wonder mark” and gained her Billboard Top Ten status.
Since she was a young girl, CeCe has entertained those around her with her soulful voice and sweet melodies. Born in Dayton, Ohio the third of four children, CeCe spent her formative years in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a graduate of Trevor G. Browne High School and Phoenix College.
Following her college graduation in 1990, CeCe began her recording career, signing with A&M Records. Her debut album, Finally, sold more than one million copies and achieved U.S. RIAA Gold certification. The title single off the album achieved Billboard No. 1 status and to date, has sold multi-platinum worldwide. Finally also is featured on more than 30 compilation albums.
In 1991, CeCe began traveling the globe promoting her sophomore album Thought YA Knew. Since that time she has performed for sold out audiences in the Philippines, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Korea, Australia, South Africa and Italy. She has performed privately for Aretha Franklin, former President Bill Clinton during both his Presidential Inauguration ceremonies and Pope John Paul II and was the first female entertainer to visit and perform in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid.
To date, CeCe has nine music videos under her belt; contributed her voice to numerous motion picture soundtracks; performed at numerous NBA, WNBA and NFL games; and appeared in thousands of print and online publications. She has appeared on several TV shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Arsenio Hall Show, BET with Donnie Simpson and Showtime at the Apollo. The talented artist also successfully toured with artists like Peabo Bryson and has appeared off-Broadway, fulfilling a personal goal and dream.
CeCe believes she has been blessed with ability to share beautiful music with her audiences. She also believes in giving back to her community and supporting organizations whose focus is on health and humanity.
In the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy, Michael Jackson asked her to perform at his concert “United We Stand,” a successful event that benefited the families of victims of the tragedy. In 1997, CeCe founded the CeCe Peniston Youth Foundation, which has helped raise funds for HIV/AIDS organizations, women and children in need and to support the fight against hunger and for equality.
In recent years, CeCe has continued to perform at entertainment venues around the world and is currently working on new music. She also has added “actress” to her bio with appearances in the soon-to-be released motion picture Don’t Touch If You Ain’t Prayed.
