Lisa Coleman | |
|---|---|
 Coleman in 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | (1960-08-17)August 17, 1960 (age 65) |
| Origin | Los Angeles,California, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock,funk,pop,new wave,Minneapolis sound,R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, keyboards |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Labels | Columbia,SME,Virgin,EMI,World Domination |
| Member of | Wendy & Lisa |
| Formerly of | The Revolution |
Partner | Wendy Melvoin |
| Website | wendyandlisa thelisacoleman |
Lisa Coleman (born August 17, 1960) is an American composer, musician and singer-songwriter, primarily on keyboards and piano. Coleman is known for her tenure as a member ofPrince's backing bandThe Revolution from 1980 to 1986, as well asWendy & Lisa, her musical partnership with fellow Revolution alumWendy Melvoin.
Coleman, the middle child of three, was born inLos Angeles,California. Her mother was Mexican-American visual artist Marylou Ynda-Ciletti (April 4, 1936 – November 17, 2013).[1] Coleman's father, Gary Coleman (born 1936),[2] is an Anglo-Americansession musician. In the 1960s and 1970s, he was part of the collectiveThe Wrecking Crew[3] and Gary befriended fellow musicianMike Melvoin. Their families became close with each other and often played and recorded music together. Lisa Coleman formed a close relationship with Melvoin's daughterWendy,[4] saying once "We've been familiar with one another since we were in diapers".[5]
Coleman got her professional start at age 12, playing keyboards in thebubblegum pop band Waldorf Salad.[6] The band, which also featured her siblings andJonathan Melvoin, was signed toA&M Records in 1973.[7]
In 1975, Coleman played a small role as a high school pianist in theLinda Blairmade-for-TV filmSarah T. – Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic.[8]
Coleman was a recent high school graduate, working as a shipping clerk and teaching piano, when friend Niki Yoergler, who was working as a secretary for Prince's personal manager, Steve Fargnoli, brought Coleman to the attention of Prince. After some convincing on both ends, Yoergler got Coleman an audition and she was hired as part ofPrince's backing group in 1980 for hisDirty Mind album and tour.[9] She replaced keyboardist Gayle Chapman, andWendy Melvoin would soon replace Dez Dickerson.[10]
Coleman played keyboards for Prince on hisControversy and1999 albums, providing vocals on the latter, as well as the three albums she played as an official member ofThe Revolution:Purple Rain,Around the World in a Day andParade. She was also featured as a session player on recordings byThe Time andVanity 6, two side projects of Prince.
Shortly after the completion of Prince and The Revolution'sParade project, Prince started a new band, and Coleman and Melvoin started working together as a duo. As Wendy & Lisa (and for one album, Girl Bros.), they released five full-length albums for various labels, including Columbia/Sony and Virgin, as well as their own independent imprint. Coleman and Melvoin also worked as a collaborative team as film and television composers; their credits includeCrossing Jordan andHeroes, both created and produced byTim Kring under his Tailwind Productions banner;Nurse Jackie, which won them an Emmy for Outstanding Main Title Theme;Prime Suspect;No Tomorrow;Witches of East End; andTouch for which they received an Emmy nomination. They also composed the music for NBC'sShades of Blue.
In 2009, Coleman playedvibraphone on theAlice in Chains' song "Black Gives Way to Blue", from thealbum of the same name.[11][12]
In 2019, Coleman self-released her first solo instrumental album titledCollage.[13]
In April 2009, Coleman gave an interview withOut magazine, where she spoke openly about her past romantic relationship withWendy Melvoin.[14] Coleman and Melvoin were in a long-term relationship, andcontinued their collaboration after their romantic relationship ended.[15]
Coleman and Melvoin were awarded with anEmmy for Outstanding Original Main Title in 2010 for their theme toNurse Jackie.[16]Coleman (and Melvoin) also share the honor of winners of a Grammy and Oscar for being part of The Revolution, asPurple Rain won two Grammys, and the Oscar for Best Original Score.
Coleman (along with Melvoin) received the inaugural ASCAP Shirley Walker Award in 2014. The Shirley Walker Award honors those whose achievements have contributed to the diversity of film and television music.[17]
WithPrince
With Prince & the Revolution
Prince associates
WithWendy & Lisa
Soundtracks
Solo work
Session work
We grew up together in Los Angeles.
Chapman leaves and is replaced by Lisa Coleman. ... Dickerson leaves the Revolution, and is replaced by Wendy Melvoin.
