User:Marcam12/Helen Rogers

Helen Rogers was born in 1962. She began singing in 1978 with TNT music, an independent south London label specialising in Reggae music. After joining Brit Funk band Direct Drive as lead vocalist in 1982, Helen (along with bandmates Pete Quinton, Robert Williams, Mick Ward and Mick Hammond) entered the Black Echoes top 20 with 'In The Middle of Spring' and 'Pass The Paper' respectively.

In Dec. 1984 the band released a song called 'Anything' which shot to number 1 in the U.K.Black Echoes Soul charts remaining there for 6 weeks, and crossed over to the U.K. national charts (Guinness hits of the 80's p.74) after the band had signed to Polydor records. Direct Drive then released 'ABC (Falling in Love's Not Easy)' which also charted.

Helen continued to record with Pete Quinton and provided vocals on two of his songs entitled 'Half Chances' and 'Shifting Sands' which featured in the 1987 movie 'Sammy and Rosie get Laid' Helen and Pete also began writing together.

During this time Helen also sang with Funk band 7th Heaven, provided vocals on Rory Bremner's cricket version of Paul Hardcastle's 19 ('nnnn nineteen not out') and adding vocals to Hardcastles remix of Third World's ' Now that We've Found Love', also his version of Junior Walker's ' Walk In The Night'.

From 1989-90 Helen worked in the studio and did live gigs with Lee Fardon and his band. From 92 onwards Helen co-wrote and sang lead and backing vocals on Paul Hardcastles project called The Jazzmasters, which resulted in multiple number one hits in Japan and the US. She also wrote and recorded some tracks for Paul's simultanious eponymous project. The Jazzmasters recorded five albums plus various compilations of hits from the albums eg 'The Smooth Cuts' feat Helen Rogers.

Returning to her Lover's Rock beginnings in 2003, Helen recorded an album of Reggae covers of 70's pop hits with vocalist/ musician Black Steel. The pair had released a reggae version of 'Tracks of My Tears' in 1988 which had reached the Jamaican top 20.

In 2008 Helen released an EP of songs co written with guitarist Tony Qunta called 'Eyes Like Midnight' which was a departure in style and featured live violin and cello also played by Tony. Helen is currently working with Fil Jones and their band Exkapade. Their first track 'Luxury of Time' was released in July 2009.