Edmonds, Kenneth "Babyface" (1959–)

EDMONDS , KENNETH "BABYFACE" (1959–). Singer, songwriter, music and film producer. Edmonds was born into a musically talented family in Indianapolis , Indiana . He started writing songs at an early age and decided to pursue a music career after he performed at a high school dance in his brother’s band. After graduating from North Central High School Class of 1976, he eagerly pursued his musical interests by joining several bands leading up to The Deele in the 1980s. After three albums and several pop and R&B hits, he signed with Solar Records to begin his solo career. Teaming up with former The Deele drummer, Antonia "L. A." Reid, the two became the powerhouse producing team behind Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, and Paula Abdul. In 1989, they formed the record label LaFace and signed such artists as Toni Braxton and TLC. As a multi-faceted award-winning artist, Baby-face has continued his solo career while writing, producing, and helping to shepherd others to stardom. He has won Grammy Awards for his album For the Cool in You , as writer for the hit song "End of the Road," performed by Boys II Men, and a Grammy for Producer of the Year. In film, he has produced the music soundtrack for Waiting to Exhale , 1995; co-distributed the independent film Hav Plenty , 1997; and produced the hit film Soulfood , 1997, with his wife, Tracey Edmonds.

Filmography: Hav Plenty , 1997; Soul Food , 1997; Light It Up , 1999; Punks , 2000; Josie and the Pussycats , 2001.