Stephanie Mills Biography

In 1973, Mills' musical career began as she opened for the Isley Brothers. A year later, after being discovered by Jackson 5 singer Jermaine Jackson, she signed with Motown Records in 1974. Her first two albums fail to generate a buzz as the label couldn't find Mills' sound. In 1976, she left the label and continued on with her tenure on The Wiz. Musical success was eluded until 1979, when signed under the 20th Century Fox record label, Mills found her breakthrough in disco music, recording now-classic danceable songs such as "Put Your Body In It", "You Can Get Over", and "What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin'". The resulting album, What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin, was Mills' first gold record. She quickly followed the success with 1980's Sweet Sensation, which featured Mills' biggest hit to date, the Reggie Lucas-produced "I Never Knew Love Like This Before". The single became a #1 R&B and Top 5 Pop hit in 1980. 1981's Stephanie featured a top hit for her and soul legend Teddy Pendergrass entitled "Two Hearts", while her 1983 album, Merciless, featured her hit cover of Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore?". Success for Mills had peaked until 1985, when her version of the Angela Winbush-penned "I've Learned to Respect the Power of Love", hit #1 on the R&B singles chart. Mills truly returned, however, with her next release, If I Were Your Woman in 1987 under MCA Records, which she was now signed. The hits coming off the album include the title track, originally a hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1971, "I Feel Good All Over" and "You're Puttin' a Rush on Me”. As the album reached platinum status Mills' success continued with 1989's Home album. The hits off that album include "The Comfort of a Man", the title track, a cover of her old standard from The Wiz and another song penned by Winbush titled "Something in the Way You Make Me Feel". It became another platinum record for Mills. Mills would record one more album (1992's Something Real) and a Christmas album before being let go from her contract with MCA in 1992. Mills released her first gospel record in 1995, and then took a break from recording to care for her son.