Evelyn "Champagne" King: The Voice of Disco and R&B

Evelyn "Champagne" King is an American singer whose powerful voice became a defining sound of late-1970s disco and 1980s R&B. Hailing from the Bronx, New York, she achieved massive success with her debut single "Shame," which soared to gold status and became a dance floor anthem.

Early career

Born in 1960, Evelyn King was discovered in 1976 while working as a cleaner at Philadelphia International Records. Label founders Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff overheard her singing and were immediately impressed by her mature, soulful voice. She was quickly signed to the subsidiary label RCA Records, which began developing her first album.

Breakthrough

King's breakthrough arrived in 1977 with the release of her debut album "Smooth Talk." The lead single, "Shame," exploded onto the charts in 1978, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart. The single was certified gold, and the album eventually earned a platinum certification, launching her career spectacularly.

Key tracks

Shame — This gold-certified disco smash was her debut single and signature song, topping the R&B chart and breaking into the pop Top 10.

I'm in Love — A 1981 R&B number-one hit that showcased her successful transition from disco to a more modern, synth-driven funk sound.

Love Come Down — Her biggest pop hit, this 1982 track reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number seventeen on the Hot 100.

Your Personal Touch — A key track from her 1985 album "A Long Time Coming," highlighting her continued relevance in the contemporary R&B landscape.

Following her initial success, Evelyn "Champagne" King navigated the shift away from disco with skill. She released a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s, including "I'm in Love" (1981) and "Get Loose" (1982), which produced multiple R&B chart-toppers. Her collaboration with producer Kashif on several tracks was particularly influential in shaping her 80s sound. While her chart presence diminished after the mid-1980s, she continued to record and perform, maintaining a loyal fan base.

Fans of Evelyn "Champagne" King's blend of dance-floor energy and soulful vocals might also enjoy the music of Thelma Houston, who also mastered the transition from disco to pop. The sophisticated R&B of Anita Baker shares a similar vocal richness and emotional depth. For the quintessential Philadelphia International sound, explore McFadden And Whitehead. The dynamic funk of Chaka Khan offers a comparable level of vocal power and stylistic range.

Evelyn "Champagne" King's catalog remains a staple on classic disco and old-school R&B radio stations. Her hits are frequently featured on dedicated 70s and 80s music channels and online radio streams that celebrate dance music history.

Listeners can discover the timeless music of Evelyn "Champagne" King on the classic soul and dance radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the stations available on onairium.com to hear her iconic voice and enduring hits.