S.O.D. "Crush" by Jennifer Paige

10/11/2015

     This American pop singer accomplished a lot with one hit single as hit singles tend to do.  From her debut album, "Jennifer Paige", this tune was praised by Billboard magazine, "Paige succeeds in the nearly impossible task of oozing smoldering sensuality without resorting to typical moans and groans.  She instead uses her notable flexible vocal range to convey the emotion of the tune".  The 1998 pop song charted in 16 countries, taking the #1 spot in Australia-2X platinum-, New Zealand and Canada and holding the #3 position in the U.S. for 9 consecutive weeks.  Four writers took part in this including Andy Goldmark who also produced, Kevin Clark, Berny Cosgrove and Mark Mueller who has for 4 consecutive decades starting in the 80s, written tunes that have been certified gold and platinum.

     One of the most popular radio stations in history, KIIS-FM in Los Angeles was the first station to play "Crush" thanks to Goldmark.  After this, Paige had her pick of record labels to sign with and chose Hollywood Records.  After considerable air play, it hit the Top 10 in less then one month of its release.

     At age 17 Paige signed her first recording contract with Edel Records.  At the time, she had just completed a version of Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools" that was more dance oriented.  It was a hit and Edel Records president Jonathan First, upon hearing it and seeing the video, knew she was what they were looking for.  First got the first plane to Los Angeles and gave Paige a recording contract.  

When she was just 5 years old she teamed up with older brother, Chance, and began singing in eateries and coffeeshops in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.  Paige credits Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey and Etta James as some of her influences.