Maria Vidal: Difference between revisions

Maria Vidal
Maria Vidal
	Vidal in 1987
Background information
Birth name	Maria Elena Vidal
Born	August 1, 1960 (age 64); Miami, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Dance-pop; alternative rock;
Occupation	Singer
Years active	1979–present
Labels	Capitol Records; EMI America; A&M; Charisma;

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Maria Elena Vidal (born August 1, 1960) is an American singer songwriter. She is known for her hit single "Body Rock", which reached No. 8 on the US Dance Charts, No. 48 on the Hot 100, No. 5 on the Springbok Charts in South Africa, and No. 11 in the UK, and charted on various international charts.^[1] It was the theme song to the film Body Rock in 1984.

Early life

Vidal was born to parents of Hispanic heritage. Sometime later, she met Desmond Child and the two began writing songs and started a music career. Despite these, she still worked at a diner for extra income. Due to her slight physical resemblance to actress and photographer Gina Lollobrigida, her co-workers, as well as the diner's owner and manager, nicknamed her Gina.

Career

Early career (1977–1980)

Vidal was a founding member of the New York City-based band Desmond Child & Rouge. They released two well-received albums in 1979 and 1980 for Capitol Records. They toured the country and were the musical guests on Saturday Night Live. Their iconic hit "Our Love Is Insane" was their own particular blend of rock and disco. The band is known for their inclusion on the soundtrack to The Warriors in 1979, with the song "Last of an Ancient Breed".

Vidal, as a member of Rouge along with Diana Grasselli and Myriam Valle, was asked by Paul Shaffer (the band's keyboardist), to sing on a live comedy album that he was the musical director on for Gilda Radner. While making the album, Radner and producer Lorne Michaels decided instead to turn it into a Broadway show: Gilda Radner – Live From New York opened at the Winter Garden Theater in the summer of 1979.^[2] Rouge performed as musicians as well as a variety of characters on stage. They toured Boston and Chicago, where the performances were made into the film Gilda Live directed by Mike Nichols.

Solo career

When the band parted ways, her first solo endeavor was an album with EMI, where she worked with producer John "Jellybean" Benitez. While working on the album, she was asked to sing the theme song for the 1984 film Body Rock, produced by Phil Ramone. It became an international hit, peaking at number No. 26 in Australia.^[3] Vidal toured around the world promoting it.

She appeared in the 1985 horror comedy film Once Bitten as a member of a high school band, and contributed two songs to the Once Bitten soundtrack.

Jimmy Iovine then signed Vidal as a solo artist to A&M Records after hearing her demo of "Do Me Right", which had been written and produced for her by Desmond. It became the first single off her 1987 self-titled debut solo album and was very popular internationally, especially in South America. The music video was directed by David Fincher.

In 1991, she sang a duet with Desmond Child on the Burt Bacharach/Desmond Child penned power ballad "Obsession". At the time, Vidal was making her third solo album with British-owned Charisma Records, but the album was never released.

As a singer, songwriter and producer, Vidal has contributed to many other artists' music.

Vidal contributed backup vocals to Kiss's Paul Stanley's solo album, Stevie Nicks' single "I Can't Wait" as well as a few other tracks from Nicks' solo album "Rock a Little", and was a featured vocalist for The Smithereens' single "A Girl Like You". She appears on many of Belinda Carlisle's solo albums, including the 1989 album "Runaway Horses". Other highlights include vocals for artists such as: Ellen Foley, Aerosmith, Seal, Alice Cooper, Celine Dion, Toto, Bette Midler, Real McCoy and Cher. Maria also appears on albums from Cat Stevens, and, most recently, Lana Del Rey.

As a songwriter, Vidal wrote the hit single "Summer Rain" for Belinda Carlisle, which was covered in 2004 by Slinkee Minx, as well as the title song to Carlisle's album "A Woman and a Man". The song "Angel", which she co-wrote (from her 1987 solo album), was also recorded by Exposé on their 1992 self-titled album. Vidal has written songs with Desmond Child, Billy Steinberg, and Rick Nowels, including Ace of Base single "Every Time it Rains" and Belinda Carlisle's "California."

As a studio vocal arranger and producer, Vidal has worked with a myriad of artists. Vidal's credits include Carrie Underwood and the other finalists on American Idol season 4.

In May 2009, Vidal announced the release of her album Living in Radical Radiance. The album can be downloaded on her website or ordered through the website shop.

Personal life

Vidal has a son with her husband Rick Nowels.

Discography

Albums

Maria Vidal (1987)
Living in Radical Radiance (2009)

Singles

1979: "Our Love Is Insane" (as part of Desmond Child & Rouge)
1984: "Body Rock" – UK No. 11, AUS No. 26,^[3] US No. 48^[4]
1985: "Hands Off"
1986: "Just One Kiss"
1987: "Do Me Right"
1988: "Make Believe"
1991: "Obsession" (with Desmond Child)
2008: "Green" (non-album single)

References

^ "Maria Vidal Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". musicvf.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
^ "Gilda Radner – Live From New York – Broadway Special". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
^ ^a ^b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 329. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
^ "Maria Vidal – Billboard Hot 100 History". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2021.

External links

[1] "Maria Vidal Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts". musicvf.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017.

[ibdb-2] "Gilda Radner – Live From New York – Broadway Special". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2017.

[aus-3] Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 329. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.

[4] "Maria Vidal – Billboard Hot 100 History". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2021.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|American singer-songwriter (born 1960)}}
+{{short description|American singer (born 1960)}}
-{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
 {{About||the Argentine governor|María Eugenia Vidal|the Spanish swimmer|María Vilas Vidal}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
-{{Infobox person
+{{Infobox musical artist
 | name             = Maria Vidal
-| honorific_suffix =
 | image            = MariaVidal.jpg
 | alt              =
@@ Line 16: / Line 15: @@
 | resting_place    =
 | other_names      =
-| occupation       = {{flatlist|
+| occupation       = Singer
-* Singer
-* songwriter
-}}
 | years_active     = 1979–present
-| spouse           =
-| partner          =
-| children         =
-| parents          =
-| module           = {{Infobox musical artist
-| embed           = yes
 | genre           = {{flatlist|
 * [[Dance-pop]]
 * [[alternative rock]]
 }}
-| instrument      = Vocals
 | label           = {{flatlist|
 * [[Capitol Records]]
@@ Line 39: / Line 28: @@
 }}
 | associated_acts = [[Desmond Child & Rouge]]
-}}
 | website          =
 | signature        =
 }}
-'''Maria Elena Vidal''' (born August 1, 1960) is an American singer-songwriter. She is known for her hit single "Body Rock", which reached No. 8 on the US Dance Charts, No. 48 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]], No. 5 on the Springbok Charts in South Africa, and No. 11 in the UK, and charted on various international charts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicvf.com/Maria+Vidal.art|title=Maria Vidal Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts|website=www.musicvf.com|access-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref> It was the [[theme song]] to the film ''[[Body Rock]]'' in 1984.
+'''Maria Elena Vidal''' (born August 1, 1960) is an American singer songwriter. She is known for her hit single "Body Rock", which reached No. 8 on the US Dance Charts, No. 48 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]], No. 5 on the Springbok Charts in South Africa, and No. 11 in the UK, and charted on various international charts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicvf.com/Maria+Vidal.art|title=Maria Vidal Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography ••• Music VF, US & UK hits charts|website=musicvf.com|access-date=October 7, 2017}}</ref> It was the [[theme song]] to the film ''[[Body Rock]]'' in 1984.
-==Career==
+== Early life ==
-===Early life===
-Vidal was born to parents of Hispanic heritage. Sometime later, she met [[Desmond Child]] and the two began writing songs and started a music career. Despite these, she still worked at a diner for extra income. Due to her slight physical resemblance to actress and photographer [[Gina Lollobrigida]], her co-workers, as well as the diner's owner and manager, nicknamed her Gina. This would later be one critical element that inspired Child and members of the rock band [[Bon Jovi]] when writing the song "[[Livin' on a Prayer]]".
+Vidal was born to parents of Hispanic heritage. Sometime later, she met [[Desmond Child]] and the two began writing songs and started a music career. Despite these, she still worked at a diner for extra income. Due to her slight physical resemblance to actress and photographer [[Gina Lollobrigida]], her co-workers, as well as the diner's owner and manager, nicknamed her Gina.
+== Career ==
 === Early career (1977–1980) ===
-Vidal was a founding member of the New York City-based band, [[Desmond Child & Rouge]]. They released two well-received albums in 1979 and 1980 for [[Capitol Records]]. They toured the country and were the musical guests on [[Saturday Night Live]]. Their iconic hit "Our Love is Insane" was their own particular blend of rock and [[disco]]. The band is known for their inclusion on the soundtrack to ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' in 1979, with the song "Last of an Ancient Breed".
-Vidal, as a member of Rouge along with Diana Grasselli and Myriam Valle, was asked by [[Paul Shaffer|Paul Schaffer]] (the band's keyboardist), to sing on a live comedy album that he was the musical director on for [[Gilda Radner]]. While making the album, Radner and producer [[Lorne Michaels]], decided instead to turn it into a Broadway show: ''Gilda Radner – Live From New York'' opened at the [[Winter Garden Theatre|Winter Garden Theater]] in the summer of 1979.<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web|title=Gilda Radner – Live From New York – Broadway Special |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/gilda-radner---live-from-new-york-3805|website=www.ibdb.com|accessdate=October 9, 2017}}</ref> Rouge performed as musicians as well as a variety of characters on stage. They toured Boston and Chicago, where the performances were made into the film ''[[Gilda Live]]'' directed by [[Mike Nichols]].
+Vidal was a founding member of the New York City-based band [[Desmond Child & Rouge]]. They released two well-received albums in 1979 and 1980 for [[Capitol Records]]. They toured the country and were the musical guests on [[Saturday Night Live]]. Their iconic hit "Our Love Is Insane" was their own particular blend of rock and [[disco]]. The band is known for their inclusion on the soundtrack to ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' in 1979, with the song "Last of an Ancient Breed".
+Vidal, as a member of Rouge along with Diana Grasselli and Myriam Valle, was asked by [[Paul Shaffer]] (the band's keyboardist), to sing on a live comedy album that he was the musical director on for [[Gilda Radner]]. While making the album, Radner and producer [[Lorne Michaels]] decided instead to turn it into a Broadway show: ''Gilda Radner – Live From New York'' opened at the [[Winter Garden Theatre|Winter Garden Theater]] in the summer of 1979.<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web|title=Gilda Radner – Live From New York – Broadway Special |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/gilda-radner---live-from-new-york-3805|website=www.ibdb.com|accessdate=October 9, 2017}}</ref> Rouge performed as musicians as well as a variety of characters on stage. They toured Boston and Chicago, where the performances were made into the film ''[[Gilda Live]]'' directed by [[Mike Nichols]].
 === Solo career ===
-When the band parted ways, her first solo endeavor was an album with [[EMI]], where she worked with producer [[Jellybean Benitez|John "Jellybean" Benitez]]. While working on the album, she was asked to sing the theme song for the 1984 film ''[[Body Rock]]'', produced by [[Phil Ramone]]. It became an international hit, peaking at number No. 26 in Australia.<ref name=aus/>
+When the band parted ways, her first solo endeavor was an album with [[EMI]], where she worked with producer [[Jellybean Benitez|John "Jellybean" Benitez]]. While working on the album, she was asked to sing the theme song for the 1984 film ''[[Body Rock]]'', produced by [[Phil Ramone]]. It became an international hit, peaking at number No. 26 in Australia.<ref name=aus />
 Vidal toured around the world promoting it.
 She appeared in the 1985 horror comedy film ''[[Once Bitten (1985 film)|Once Bitten]]'' as a member of a high school band, and contributed two songs to the [[Once Bitten Soundtrack|''Once Bitten'' soundtrack]].
-[[Jimmy Iovine]] then signed Vidal as a solo artist to [[A&M Records]] after hearing her demo of "Do Me Right", which had been written and produced for her by Desmond. It became the first single off her 1987 [[eponym]]ous debut solo album and was very popular internationally, especially in South America. The music video was directed by [[David Fincher]].
+[[Jimmy Iovine]] then signed Vidal as a solo artist to [[A&M Records]] after hearing her demo of "Do Me Right", which had been written and produced for her by Desmond. It became the first single off her 1987 [[Maria Vidal (album)|self-titled debut solo album]] and was very popular internationally, especially in South America. The music video was directed by [[David Fincher]].
-In 1991, she sang a duet with [[Desmond Child]] on the [[Burt Bacharach]]/Desmond Child penned [[Power Ballad]], "Obsession."  At the time, Vidal was making her third solo album with British-owned [[Charisma Records]], but the album was never released.
+In 1991, she sang a duet with [[Desmond Child]] on the [[Burt Bacharach]]/Desmond Child penned [[power ballad]] "Obsession".  At the time, Vidal was making her third solo album with British-owned [[Charisma Records]], but the album was never released.
 As a singer, songwriter and producer, Vidal has contributed to many other artists' music.
-Vidal contributed backup vocals to [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]]' [[Paul Stanley]]'s solo album, [[Stevie Nicks]]' single "[[I Can't Wait (Stevie Nicks song)|I Can't Wait]]" as well as a few other tracks from Nicks' solo album "[[Rock a Little]]", and was a featured vocalist for [[The Smithereens]]' single "[[A Girl Like You (The Smithereens song)|A Girl Like You]]". She appears on many of [[Belinda Carlisle]]'s solo albums, including the 1989 album "[[Runaway Horses (album)|Runaway Horses]]". Other highlights include vocals for artists such as: Ellen Foley, [[Aerosmith]], [[Seal (musician)|Seal]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Bette Midler]], Real McCoy and [[Cher]]. Maria also appears on albums from [[Cat Stevens]], and, most recently, [[Lana Del Rey]].
+Vidal contributed backup vocals to [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]]'s [[Paul Stanley]]'s solo album, [[Stevie Nicks]]' single "[[I Can't Wait (Stevie Nicks song)|I Can't Wait]]" as well as a few other tracks from Nicks' solo album "[[Rock a Little]]", and was a featured vocalist for [[The Smithereens]]' single "[[A Girl Like You (The Smithereens song)|A Girl Like You]]". She appears on many of [[Belinda Carlisle]]'s solo albums, including the 1989 album "[[Runaway Horses (album)|Runaway Horses]]". Other highlights include vocals for artists such as: Ellen Foley, [[Aerosmith]], [[Seal (musician)|Seal]], [[Alice Cooper]], [[Celine Dion]], [[Toto (band)|Toto]], [[Bette Midler]], Real McCoy and [[Cher]]. Maria also appears on albums from [[Cat Stevens]], and, most recently, [[Lana Del Rey]].
-As a songwriter, Vidal wrote the hit single [[Summer Rain (Belinda Carlisle song)|"Summer Rain"]] for [[Belinda Carlisle]], which was covered in 2004 by [[Slinkee Minx]], as well as the title song to Carlisle's album "[[A Woman and a Man]]". The song "Angel"; in which she co-wrote (from her 1987 solo album) was also recorded by Expose on their 1992 self titled album.  Vidal has written songs with [[Desmond Child]], [[Billy Steinberg]], and [[Rick Nowels]], including Ace of Base single "[[Everytime It Rains|Every Time it Rains]]" and Belinda Carlisle's "[[California (Belinda Carlisle song)|California]]."
+As a songwriter, Vidal wrote the hit single [[Summer Rain (Belinda Carlisle song)|"Summer Rain"]] for [[Belinda Carlisle]], which was covered in 2004 by [[Slinkee Minx]], as well as the title song to Carlisle's album "[[A Woman and a Man]]". The song "Angel", which she co-wrote (from her 1987 solo album), was also recorded by Exposé on their 1992 self-titled album. Vidal has written songs with [[Desmond Child]], [[Billy Steinberg]], and [[Rick Nowels]], including Ace of Base single "[[Everytime It Rains|Every Time it Rains]]" and Belinda Carlisle's "[[California (Belinda Carlisle song)|California]]."
 As a studio vocal arranger and producer, Vidal has worked with a myriad of artists. Vidal's credits include [[Carrie Underwood]] and the other finalists on ''[[American Idol]]'' [[American Idol (season 4)|season 4]].
 In May 2009, Vidal announced the release of her album ''Living in Radical Radiance''. The album can be downloaded on her website or ordered through the website shop.
+==Personal life==
+Vidal has a son with her husband [[Rick Nowels]].
 == Discography ==
@@ Line 78: / Line 73: @@
 === Albums ===
-* ''Maria Vidal'' (1987)
+* ''[[Maria Vidal (album)|Maria Vidal]]'' (1987)
 * ''Living in Radical Radiance'' (2009)
@@ Line 84: / Line 79: @@
 * 1979: "Our Love Is Insane" (as part of [[Desmond Child & Rouge]])
-* 1984: "Body Rock" UK No.11, AUS No. 26,<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=329}}</ref> US No. 48<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/maria-vidal/|title=Maria Vidal - Billboard Hot 100 History|website=Billboard.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429015725/https://www.billboard.com/music/maria-vidal/|archive-date=April 29, 2019|accessdate=March 17, 2021}}</ref>
+* 1984: "Body Rock" – UK No. 11, AUS No. 26,<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|authorlink=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=329}}</ref> US No. 48<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/maria-vidal/|title=Maria Vidal – Billboard Hot 100 History|website=Billboard.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429015725/https://www.billboard.com/music/maria-vidal/|archive-date=April 29, 2019|accessdate=March 17, 2021}}</ref>
 * 1985: "Hands Off"
 * 1986: "Just One Kiss"
@@ Line 90: / Line 85: @@
 * 1988: "Make Believe"
 * 1991: "Obsession" (with [[Desmond Child]])
-* 2008: "Green" (non-album track)
+* 2008: "Green" (non-album single)
-==References==
+== References ==
 {{reflist}}
-==External links==
+== External links ==
-* {{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p22864|label=Maria Vidal}}
+* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p22864|label=Maria Vidal}}
+* {{discogs artist}}
 * [http://henhousestudios.com/maria-vidal-living-in-radical-radiance-cdmp3/ ''Living in Radical Radiance'' album]
@@ Line 104: / Line 101: @@
 [[Category:1960 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:Musicians from Miami]]
+[[Category:Singers from Miami]]
-[[Category:American female singers]]
+[[Category:American women singers]]
+[[Category:21st-century American women]]

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