Evelyn King: The Soulful Voice of Disco and R&B

Evelyn "Champagne" King is an American singer who rose from a janitor's daughter to a chart-topping disco and R&B sensation. Her career, launched in the late 1970s, is defined by the multi-platinum smash "Shame" and a successful transition into the synth-driven sound of 1980s soul.

Early career

Evelyn King was born in 1960 in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her musical journey began unexpectedly in 1976 while she was singing to herself as she helped her mother clean the offices of Philadelphia International Records.

Label executives heard her powerful voice and were immediately impressed. This chance discovery led to a recording contract with RCA Records, setting the stage for her rapid ascent.

Breakthrough

Evelyn King's breakthrough arrived in 1977 with the release of her debut album, Smooth Talk. The album's lead single, "Shame," became a cultural phenomenon, blending a deep disco groove with her youthful, commanding vocals.

The song soared to number one on the Billboard R&B chart and reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The Smooth Talk album was certified platinum, selling over one million copies and establishing King as a major new star.

Key tracks

Shame — This 1977 disco anthem was her debut single and first number-one R&B hit, catapulting her to instant fame.

I'm in Love — A 1981 track that showcased her successful shift into a more modern, electronic R&B sound, earning her a Grammy nomination.

Love Come Down — This 1982 single became her second number-one R&B hit and a defining song of the early 80s funk era.

Your Personal Touch — A smooth mid-80s jam that highlighted her vocal maturity and continued relevance on urban contemporary radio.

Later career and legacy

Throughout the 1980s, Evelyn King consistently delivered hits, including "Get Loose" and "Betcha She Don't Love You," working with producers like Kashif and Morrie Brown. She released several more albums on RCA, including Get Loose and So Romantic, which solidified her status in the R&B genre.

After a hiatus, she returned to recording in the new millennium, releasing the album Open Book in 2007. Her classic hits remain staples on disco and old-school R&B playlists, celebrated for their energy and her distinct vocal power.

Fans of Evelyn King's blend of dance-floor energy and soulful delivery also enjoy the music of Thelma Houston, another singer who mastered the disco-to-R&B transition. The sophisticated Philadelphia soul of McFadden And Whitehead shares a lineage with her early sound. For 80s electro-funk style, listen to Sharon Brown. The dynamic vocal runs of Deniece Williams also offer a similar musical appeal.

Evelyn King's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic soul stations, dedicated disco channels, and 80s R&B formats. Her songs are regularly featured in rotation, keeping her sound alive for both nostalgic listeners and new audiences discovering the era.

Listeners can explore the timeless hits of Evelyn King on the classic soul and vintage dance radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the stations available on onairium.com to hear "Shame," "Love Come Down," and other essential tracks from her celebrated catalog.