Ford, Penny (1964–)

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Ford, Penny (1964–)

African-American rhythm-and-blues singer. Name variations: Pennye Ford; S.O.S. Band. Born Nov 6, 1964, in Cincinnati, Ohio; dau. of Gene Redd Sr. (record executive) and Carolyn Ford (singer); sister of Sharon Redd (singer).

Vocalist with numerous groups, replaced Mary Davis as singer on S.O.S Band and had R&B hit with "I'm Still Missing Your Love" from album, Diamonds in the Raw (1987); joined rapper Turbo B. to form duo, Snap! (c. 1989) and released highly successful debut album, World Power (1990); had US and UK smash hit with single, "The Power," and had 5 more Top-10 hits in UK; quit Snap! to pursue solo career and released album Penny Ford (1993); worked with a number of performers, including Chaka Khan and groups, Soul II Soul and Massive Attack.