If you're at work you might want to stop reading now because it's about to get sexy in here.
Helen Folasade Adu was born to an English mother and Nigerian father today in Nigeria in 1959. Her parents divorced when she was young and she was raised by her mother in England. Sade (pronounced shar-day), as she would be known the world over, initially worked in fashion design before joining a band called Pride as a backup singer in 1980.
Sade and a few members of Pride broke off and formed the band Sade in 1983. Success was immediate and they scored a record deal within a year. In 1984 the band released their debut, "Diamond Life".
Calling the album a success is a massive understatement. At the time, "Diamond Life" was the biggest selling album in history by an English female singer. The album went to #2 in the UK and made the top ten in the US. It has been certified quadruple platinum (over 4 million sold) in the US and has sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
"Diamond Life" set the template for what Sade was all about - soulful, jazzy baby making music. If you were born after 1985 there is a good chance you were conceived to a Sade record. Singles like "Smooth Operator", "Your Love Is King" and "Hang On To Your Love" made it so even a creep like Gratefulbuck could get laid.
Sade released their second album, "Promise", in 1985. It was another smash hit, reaching #1 in the UK and US. It was another quadruple platinum effort and brought Sade their first Grammy. "Stronger Than Pride" followed in 1988 and in 1992 they released "Love Deluxe", both of which were triple platinum.
The band slowed down after this but two extended hiatuses didn't turn away fans. "Lovers Rock" was released in 2000 and it earned the band another Grammy while 2010 saw the release of "Soldier of Love", which debuted at #1. "Soldier of Love" sold an incredible 502,000 copies in its first week...after the band took a 10 year break. Again, this was 2010, not a time when albums were flying off the shelves.
Record sales are one measure of success but a lot of TIMH regulars will rightfully be quick to point out that Justin Beaver sold a lot of records, too. Alright, wiseguys, let's take a look at some of the acts that have covered Sade's material: Herbie Hancock, Deftones, India Arie, The Civil Wars and Richard Marx are a few and even Rakim gave her a reference in Eric B and Rakim's song "Keep the Beat".
Overall, Sade has won four Grammy and sold over 75 million albums worldwide. They continue to sell records as new generations discover Sade's honeyed voice and Sade's sweet, sexy sound. Every man should own at least one Sade album, even if it's only the "Best Of" record which is fantastic.
If tequila is the liquid undergarment remover then Sade is the sonic equivalent without the hangover and poor decisions.
