Chantay Savage

The daughter of a jazz musician, R&B vocalist Chantay Savage grew up in Chicago raised on the sounds of jazz and soul legends like Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Khan, and Marvin Gaye. Inspired by the music around her, Savage began her performing career in earnest when she entered an open mic contest at a local club. Not only did she win the contest eight times, she parlayed this success into gigs as a session musician, singer, and songwriter with artists like CeCe Peniston.

Savage's contributions to Peniston's single "We Got a Love Thang" earned her a deal with RCA Records; her 1993 self-titled debut contained more hit singles like "Give It to Ya" and "Don't Let It Go to Your Head." Savage also arranged vocals and sang for artists like Brazen, Associate, and Vertical Hold, along with releasing her second album, 1995's I Will Survive, in which she reworked the Gloria Gaynor disco anthem. The album also reflected a more personal, individual side of her talent, which she explored further on 1999's This Time Around, on which she wrote all the lyrics and played piano and drums.