Cystal Waters: The Queen of Dance Music

A Legendary Career in Dance Music

Crystal Waters is an American house and dance music singer and songwriter, best known for her iconic 1990s dance hits "Gypsy Woman", "100% Pure Love", and her 2007 collaboration with Alex Gaudino, "Destination Calabria". With a career spanning over three decades, Waters has solidified her position as one of the most successful dance artists of all time, with six ASCAP Songwriter awards, three American Music Award nominations, and twelve No. 1 Billboard Dance Chart hits to her name.

Early Life and Inspirations

Born on November 19, 1961, in Deptford Township, New Jersey, Waters comes from a family steeped in music. Her father, Junior Waters, was a jazz musician, and her great-aunt, Ethel Waters, was one of the first black American vocalists to appear in mainstream Hollywood musicals. Waters' family later moved to Washington, D.C., where she began writing poetry at the age of eleven. Her talent was recognized early, and she was inducted into the Poetry Society of America at just 14 years old, making her the youngest person to receive this honor.

Education and Early Career

Waters studied business and computer science at Howard University, but her passion for music never wavered. After graduating in 1989, she secured a job as a probation officer with the Washington, D.C. parole board, which allowed her to support her two daughters. However, her creative side was never far behind, and she soon found herself working as a backup singer at a local recording studio. It was here that she realized her desire to write her own music and have creative control over her work.

Rise to Fame and Music Career

Waters' big break came when she met the Basement Boys, a prominent production team in the D.C. music scene. This collaboration led to the creation of her debut single, "Gypsy Woman", which became a massive hit in 1991. The song's success was followed by "100% Pure Love", another chart-topping hit that solidified Waters' position as a leading lady in the dance music scene. Her subsequent albums, "Surprise" and "Storyteller", also produced Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her career, Waters has received numerous awards and nominations, including:

• Six ASCAP Songwriter awards
• Three American Music Award nominations
• Four Billboard Music Awards
• Twelve No. 1 Billboard Dance Chart hits
• MTV Video Music Award nomination

Legacy and Impact

Crystal Waters' influence on the dance music scene cannot be overstated. Her hit song "Gypsy Woman" has been sampled hundreds of times, and her music has sold over 7 million records worldwide. In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as one of the most successful dance artists of all time. Her music has also inspired a new generation of artists, including her own daughter, Ella Nicole, who is a singer-songwriter in her own right.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Waters is a dedicated mother and philanthropist, often using her platform to support charitable causes. Her music has also been a source of inspiration for many, with her songs often promoting themes of love, empowerment, and self-expression.

With a career spanning over three decades, Crystal Waters continues to be an iconic figure in the dance music scene, inspiring new generations of artists and fans alike.