Caron Wheeler: The Soulful Voice of British R&B

Caron Wheeler is a British singer and songwriter best known as the defining voice of the groundbreaking group Soul II Soul. Hailing from London, England, she achieved global fame in 1989 by delivering the unforgettable vocals on the transatlantic chart-toppers "Keep On Movin'" and "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)".

Early career

Caron Wheeler was born in London in 1963 and began her professional music career in the early 1980s. She first gained attention as a member of the short-lived but influential post-punk band Brown Sugar and later provided backing vocals for artists like Errol Brown and Sinitta.

Her solo ambitions led to the 1988 release of her debut single "Livin' in the Light" on the Cooltempo label. This period also saw her collaborate with the production team Massive Attack, contributing to early tracks like "Any Love".

Breakthrough

Caron Wheeler's career ascended to new heights in 1989 through her pivotal collaboration with Jazzie B's collective Soul II Soul. She was the featured vocalist on two singles from their landmark debut album Club Classics Vol. One, released on Virgin Records.

"Keep On Movin'" reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and later climbed to number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its follow-up, "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)", became an even bigger hit, topping the UK chart and reaching number four in the United States.

Key tracks

Keep On Movin' — This Soul II Soul track established Wheeler's signature sound and became an anthem of positivity and resilience.

Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) — The a cappella intro showcases her powerful vocals, driving the song to become a global pop and R&B smash.

Livin' in the Light — Her first solo single highlighted her artistic vision, blending soul with a conscious, Afrocentric message.

UK Blak — The title track from her 1990 solo album is a bold statement of cultural identity and musical ambition.

Later career and legacy

Capitalizing on her success with Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler launched her solo career with the 1990 album UK Blak. The album, which blended R&B, reggae, and soul, spawned the hit "Don't Quit" and earned a gold certification in the United Kingdom.

She reunited with Soul II Soul for their 1992 album Volume II Just Right and again in 1995 for Volume V Believe. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Wheeler continued to record solo material and remained a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like The J.B.'s and Guru on his Jazzmatazz project.

Her influence on the UK R&B and dance music scene is enduring. The classic Soul II Soul songs featuring her vocals are certified platinum sellers and remain staple plays on radio and in clubs worldwide.

For fans of Caron Wheeler's brand of sophisticated British R&B and soul, explore similar artists like Sade for smooth, jazzy sophistication. Maxi Priest blends soul with reggae in a similar crossover style. Jazzie B is the mastermind behind the Soul II Soul sound. Des'ree shares a era and a soulful, lyrical approach to 90s pop.

Caron Wheeler's music, both with Soul II Soul and as a solo artist, maintains a strong presence on radio. Her tracks are regularly featured on classic R&B stations, 90s throwback FM channels, and online soul music streams that celebrate the era's defining sounds.

Listeners can discover the timeless music of Caron Wheeler on the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the R&B and classic hits stations available on onairium.com to hear her iconic vocals on "Back to Life" and her other essential tracks.