As a pioneer of R&B music, Chanté Moore will go down in history for her contributions to the genre. After the singer’s breakthrough in 1992 with her debut album “Precious,” she landed high on the top R&B charts throughout the world.
Moore was surrounded by gospel music growing up in San Francisco because her father was a minister. She found inspiration in artists like George Duke and Lee Ritenour, writing new lyrics to their songs. The singer also performed in her church choir and tried out for musicals in high school, earning a role in “The Wiz.”
At 22, Louil Silas Jr., a producer and executive, signed Moore to Silas Records, his MCA subsidiary. From 1989 to 1992, the singer worked on “Precious,” dropping its first single, “Candlelight & You” with Keith Washington the year before its release.
Once “Precious” was released, songs like “Love’s Taken Over” and “It’s Alright” became instant favorites in the mainstream, growing Moore’s fanbase. The album featured outstanding production from Simon Law, BeBe Winans and George Duke. It eventually peaked at No. 101 on the Billboard 200.
Two years later, “Precious” was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, or the RIAA, on Nov. 14, 1994. Moore then debuted her sophomore follow-up, titled “A Love Supreme.” Expanding her lyricism and themes of love and heartbreak, the singer proved her maturity in the genre even more, captivating fans for her honesty.
Moore’s work helped her branch out into other areas of entertainment, performing on soundtracks for movies such as 1995’s “Waiting to Exhale” and 1998’s “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” However, she returned to writing music and released her third album, 1999’s “This Moment Is Mine.”
While this album wasn’t received as well by fans, Moore didn’t stop creating. Instead, she went forth with another release the following year, her fourth album “Exposed.” Focusing more on her fame and notoriety, the singer dove deeper into her self-image and its effect on her relationships, making the 14-track record compelling to listen to in the early 2000s.
Three years later, Moore revealed a joint album with her then-husband Kenny Lattimore called “Things That Lovers Do.” The pair collaborated on 2006’s “Uncovered/Covered,” proving the inevitable chemistry between the two. Singles like “Figure It Out” helped solidify the couple in R&B for the next few years until they divorced in 2011.
Returning to her gospel roots, Moore released “Love The Woman” in 2008, which was a more upbeat record from the singer. She also changed record labels, working with Peak Records, a subsidiary of Concord Music Group. The single “Ain’t Supposed To Be This Way” did gain some radio traction, and the singer went on tour throughout the U.S. following its success.
In 2012, Moore performed alongside Donna Summer at the BET Awards. Moore then joined the cast of the reality television show “R&B Divas: Los Angeles,” all the while releasing another album at the same time in 2013.
In 2014, Moore dropped another single, “I Know, Right,” and a self-help book, titled “Will I Marry Me?” The third and final season of “R&B Divas: Los Angeles” also aired the following year, seeing the singer depart from reality television.
With a few more singles like 2017’s “Real One,” 2019’s “Fresh Love” and her most recent, 2021’s “Right One,” Moore has stayed relatively quiet in terms of bringing attention to her music. However, with a hectic few years of touring, acting and writing, it makes sense why the singer is now taking time off.
Chanté Moore’s impressive career should not be forgotten, and she has proven that she is more than just a hit-maker. An actor, writer, performer and musician, Moore has used her platform to its fullest potential. Fear has never stopped her from achieving her career goals.
