Karen Anderson is a small town girl with enormous talent. Her impressive vocal chops and longstanding experience has earned her the opportunity to work on popular hits for a plethora of pop, hip hop, and R&B stars including Mariah Carey, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Tyrese.
In her early career Anderson began touring as lead singer with the East Coast Horns who were the brass section for The Jackson 5 Victory Tour. Anderson went on to perform at “Amateur Night” on the stage of the world famous Apollo and won. Shortly after, she met “New Jack Swing” producer Teddy Riley who suggested she join his newly formed girl group, instead, she signed with Apollo/Motown and began a worldwide tour. In between touring, Anderson secured a residency at the Apollo winning over fans from Harlem to Osaka. And in later years she would re-connect with Riley to become one of his most sought after songwriters.
Anderson made a big career jump when she began background singing and songwriting for a laundry list of talented artists. Gloria Estefan’s “Turn the Beat Around” which hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play, Mariah Carey’s “Make it Happen” hit #5 on US Billboard’s Hot 100, and Jay Z’s “Lucky Me” (In My Lifetime Vol. 1) which Anderson co-wrote and has featured vocals, are just a few; As well, this hit was sampled on Lil Wayne’s “Mr. Carter” which is one of his favorite songs. Anderson also co-wrote Black Street’s smash hit “Don’t Leave Me” which shot up the charts to #1, on the US Hot R&B Airplay chart and #6 in the UK.
In addition, Anderson is a Grammy nominated songwriter who has had her compositions recorded by artist as diverse as J Lo, Mel B (aka Scary Spice), and Heatherette’s Richie Rich. Moreover, her songs are featured on film soundtracks, Spike Lee’s – Million Man March, “I’m Coming Home” and Eddie Murphy’s – Nutty Professor II “Know You Didn’t Say”. Further, Anderson has appeared on SNL, Good Morning America, Joan Rivers Show, Arsenio Hall and Mariah Carey’s “Make it Happen” video as a background artist. She has gotten her feet wet in Regional Theater as well, working on various productions, “Blues For A Gospel Queen” Lead: Mahalia Jackson, at the Billie Holiday Theater in Brooklyn NY, and “Hair Spray” Lead: Motor Mouth, at the Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton CT.
Anderson can do it all… singing, songwriting, artist development, performance technique and vocal production. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs has said “Karen is one of the most loyal, dedicated, and creative team players I know” Tyrese quipped “If you want it done right call Karen Anderson” and Mariah Carey &Tommy Mottola gave her the nickname “Sexy Girl” because her songs have richness and emotional complexity.
Music is not Anderson’s only love, Anderson is a humanitarian who devotes her time to teaching voice lessons and songwriting to underprivileged children in NY and NJ. She also donates her time to securing housing, food, and other resources for the homeless in the metropolitan area. Anderson, is truly a diamond in the ruff.
Currently, Anderson is in the studio collaborating with WyclefJean, Sony, and Heads Music artists. Also, she is working on material for her upcoming debut album and works & lives in the NYC area. What’s more, every now and then you can catch her performing live in the Tristate area, heating up the scene with that soulful voice, and captivating the audience.