In a recent interview with Rated R&B on the 25th anniversary of her debut album, “Soul of a Woman,” Kelly Price revealed some new details about her career path. It began when she was singing in a choir with her family. She eventually became a background singer for Mariah Carey. During the conversation with the outlet, Price spoke about the moment during Carey’s Daydream World Tour when she realized that it was time for her to move on.
Branching Out as an Artist
Price explained that the moment came during a performance of Carey’s “Hero.”
“I know when I hear God speaking to me, and I knew it was time for me to make a move,” she told the outlet. “We would exit the stage when she sang ‘Hero.’ I started thinking about the fact that I was going to have a conversation with her to tell her that I would be moving on.”
Price then explained that the decision wasn’t easy. She said that she wasn’t ready to leave her job and have to fend for herself.
“It was paying well. I loved what I was doing. I was traveling the world,” she shared. She explained that working with Carey was a great opportunity. “I had a boss that — I loved her gift. It was one of the hardest conversations I ever had. There was no reason for me to go, but it was time for elevation.”
Price also shared that once she left the Daydream World Tour, she was able to secure a record deal with The Isley Brothers’ T-Neck Records. She then was able to gain “full creative independence” on “Soul of a Woman.” The 25 year old album debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. It was certified platinum in April 1999 and in the same year, she won the Soul Train Award for best R&B/soul new artist.