Member Since: 05/04/2005
Band Website: WWW.FATTYKOO.COM
Band Members: Eddie B, age 20. Eddie was born in Detroit, raised in San Antonio, Texas, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, in November 2002. A born performer and songwriter, Eddie was a member of his high school choir and learned his stage craft in groups like Tone Deep, Syncere, Project Soul and Woodgrain. His list of influences draw from all quarters of American musical history: old school jazz, country, rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B with particular props to Michael Jackson, 112, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Donny Hathaway, and the Temptations. "I love to dance," Eddie admits, "and do a little acting. I'm also into sports and love meeting new people."Gabrielle, age 17, counts her sisters, Hanah and Grace, as her main musical influences. She grew up listening to a wide range of artists including Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Brandy, Sarah McLachlan, Christina Aguilera, Shakira and Jaci Velasquez. "I am a writer and poet at heart," she confesses. "My other interests are drawing and painting. What I can't explain vocally, I write down or sketch out. Aside from music, I would be a clothes designer or an art director."Marya, age 18. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Marya moved to Columbus, Ohio, in August 2002. A classically trained cellist, Marya brings a Latin sensibility to Fatty Koo. Marya credits her mom and dad and her cello teacher, Luis Biava, for nurturing her talents. Among her myriad musical influences, Marya names classical cellist Yo Yo Ma, avant-garde performance artist Laurie Anderson, the legendary Latin music diva Celia Cruz and pioneering all-female-cellist pop group Rasputina. Prior to joining Fatty Koo, Marya played in different orchestras, alternative rock groups and classical musical ensembles. "I love dancing," Marya says, "and composing electronic music."Ron, age 21. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Ron discovered his love of music, and his burgeoning vocal talent, singing in his local church choir. He went on to join his high school concert choir, sing in the gospel group, Dynasty, and become a featured member of the Independence Show Choir. Shappelle's influences run the range from old school crooning and hip-hop--Nat "King" Cole, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and LL Cool J--to the new street pulse of Kanye West, Jay-Z, OutKast and Black Eyed Peas to the smooth contemporary soul sounds of Usher and labelmate John Legend. "I love playing basketball. But look for me on the links as golf is my new passion."Valure, age 20, was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, in May 1999. While living in Jersey, Valure became a member of the Advanced Choir at Malcolm X Shabazz, where she also excelled in the Speech and Debate Team. Valure's mom introduced her to the music of Manhattan Transfer, Basia, Phoebe Snow, Vinyx, Steveland Morris and the Original Savannah Band. More recently, she grooves to the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Kim Burrell, Tank, Tweet, Rachael Pherrell, and labelmate Beyoncé, among many others. "I would love to be a teacher," Valure offers, "and an evangelist one day."The group's latest member, Joshua, age 15, is the second son born to an artistically gifted family. A natural entertainer, Joshua draws his musical, and funky dancing influences from the archetypal greats: James Brown, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye while his current favorites include Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Kanye West. Joshua's many talents include a soaring soulful vocal range, smooth and swift dance moves, sophisticated songwriting and a keen ear for music production. He also tears things up with his sizzling saxophone prowess. "I don't want to just sell records," he says with characteristic humility. "I want to change lives. I'm blessed to be around talent I can learn from and grow with!"
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Record Label: Sony Urban/Columbia
Type of Label: Major