Kym Mazelle

Gary vocalist Kim Mazelle lived around the corner from the Jacksons, and often had them come in and sing material she had written. Mazelle was a successful gospel vocalist by the mid-’80s, having moved to Chicago. She also became a fixture on the city’s house music circuit, and Marshall Jefferson recruited her to sing lead vocals with House to House on several recordings. During a house music night live set in London, Mazelle was approached by a Syncopate Records representative, who soon signed her to an international deal. She teamed again with producer Jefferson for the single “Useless (I Don’t Need You Now)” in 1988.

She later worked with Dr. Robert of the Blow Monkeys on “Wait” in 1989. She continued to record for various labels, among them RCA, while also collaborating with Soul II Soul. Mazelle did the leads on their 1990 hit single “Missing You.” She also recorded her own LP for Capitol in 1990, Brillant!