LaShell Griffin

LaShell Griffin
Birth nameLaShell Renee Thomas
Born (1968-01-14) January 14, 1968 (age 56)
Detroit, Michigan
GenresChristian R&B, gospel, traditional black gospel, urban contemporary gospel, contemporary R&B
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, singer-songwriter
Years active2004–present
LabelsEpic
Websitelashellgriffinsings.webs.com

LaShell Renee Griffin (born January 14, 1968, as LaShell Renee Thomas) is an American gospel musician. Her first album, Free, was released by Epic Records in 2004. This was a Billboard magazine breakthrough release upon four charts, The Billboard 200, Gospel Albums, R&B Albums, and Heatseekers Albums. She released two more subsequent albums, but they have not placed on any charts.

Early life

Griffin was born on January 14,[1] 1968, as LaShell Renee Thomas, to mother Geraldine, whose maiden name was Mundy, and she won Oprah Winfrey's singing competition, Pop Star Challenge.[2][3] This got her a record deal with Epic Records.[3]

Music career

Her music recording career commenced in 2004, with the album, Free, and it was released by Epic Records on May 25, 2004.[4] The album was her breakthrough release upon four Billboard magazine charts, and it placed on The Billboard 200 at No. 166, Gospel Albums at No. 2, R&B Albums at No. 43, and Heatseekers Albums at No. 5.[5] While she has released two more albums, they have failed to gain any commercial traction or achieve any national exposure.[2]

Personal life

Griffin and her now deceased former husband, LeVoties Griffin, has five children together, and she still resides with them in Detroit, Michigan.[3][2]

Discography

List of selected studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions[5]
US US
Gos 		US
R&B 		US
Heat
Free
  • Released: May 25, 2004
  • Label: Epic
  • CD, digital download
 166 2 43 5
The Gift
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: DAP Music
  • CD, digital download
 - - - -
Dreams Are Possible
  • Released: September 16, 2008
  • Label: DAP Music
  • CD, digital download
 - - - -

References

  1. ^ Family Search (2009). "U.S. Public Records Index". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  2. ^ a b c Carpenter, Bil (2005). "Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia": 166. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ a b c Phares, Heather. "LaShell Griffin : Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  4. ^ AllMusic. "LaShell Griffin : Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2015. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ a b Billboard. "LaShell Griffin : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2015.