In the world of entertainment there are many child stars who have achieved great success, some that have made easy transitions into adult performers and many who over time are soon forgotten. I am very proud to say that my cousin Tracie Spencer was one of the many child stars to make that transition and proved to all that she was more than "a one hit wonder" so to speak. Born and Raised in the same small town of Waterloo, Iowa as she was, and wanting to follow in her foot steps and achieve the same dreams and success as she once did for myself, I too see how hard it is to achieve those goals with out the proper resources and exposure that a big city can bring. Coming from a family with roots filled deep with singers and musicians, Tracie definitely showed how much are musical background has inspired us and helped our family become even more recognized locally and nationally of our natural God given talents. As you read on you will soon discover the many achievements that she has made for herself as an artist and her work behind the scenes, as well as her many achievements that she has made outside of the industry. I really hope that you enjoy learning more about Tracie or even getting to know her for the first time if you never heard her music or ever seen her work. For the many fans of her music I would like to personally thank you for the love and support that you have given her, because of her success it has inspired me greatly to be who I am today. For everyone else that is not familiar with her work I thank you for taking the time to learn about a great artist who has made an outstanding mark in musical history, and has paved the way for the many female vocalist who have followed in her footsteps.

Tracie Monique Spencer was born on July 12, 1976 in Waterloo, IA to one of the original members of the cavaliers; a group of balladeers who opened for Jackie Wilson, Spencer began singing by the age of three and modeling in pageant competitions by the age of five. Spencer produced her first music video which led her a spot competing on the 1980's CBS televised talent competition Star Search, where she performed Whitney Houston's 1986 hit "How will I know" and won.

Following her win Spencer found herself auditioning for Los Angeles based record label Capitol Records, who quickly signed her making her the youngest female artist to sign a major record label deal and the first to release a self-titled debut album. In 1988 at the tender age of 12, Tracie's debut album "Tracie Spencer" was released nationally, establishing her as an up-and-coming talent with album singles such as "Symptoms of true love", "Hide and seek", and a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine". Nearly two years later on August 27, 1990 Tracie released her sophomore album "Make the difference" that scored chart topping hits with singles "Save your love" which held at #7 on the R&B/Hip hop charts singles and tracks, "This house" her biggest hit to date reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Tender Kisses" a ballad that took her to #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip hop singles and tracks chart and made her the youngest female artist to receive the ASCAP songwriter of the year award. Spencer's other singles from this album such as "Love me" and "This time make it funky" did exceptionally well on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip hop singles and track chart, and tracks like "Sweeter love" and "Tracie's hideout" showcased the rapping talents of both Spencer and her brother Dino also known as Sir Spence in the songwriter world.

After "Make the Difference" Spencer took time away from performing and recording to go back home to Iowa to finish school, where she would later graduate from Columbus High School. Spencer Also served on the board for the Children's Defense Fund as a teen and was given the Martin Luther King Christian Leadership Award for being a positive role model to youth and traveling across the US and aboard as part of the "Stay in school" program. After graduation Tracie took up modeling posing in ads for Dollhouse, Chanel, and famous fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, which lead her to be part of the New York and LA fashion week in 1999-2000 and getting signed with "NEXT" modeling agency appearing in multiple magazine ads.

Spencer also had ventures in acting starting in 1993 where she made an appearance on the hit ABC sitcom, Family Matters, and acted in the short film "A Tale of Two Sisters" in 2004 and 2006, also she displayed her talents in a play called "Choices" in Los Angeles. Tracie later recorded the song "I'll be there for you" for the 1997 film, Good Burger, "The Rain" for "A smile like yours" starring Lauren Holly and Greg Kinnear, as well as songs for "Down in the delta" and "Girlfight" Starring actress Michelle Rodriquez. On June 29, 1999 she released "Tracie" and topped the charts with hit singles "It's all about you (Not about me)" that peaked in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and "still in my heart" which showcased her matured soprano vocals. Through out the 2000s she started singing background vocals for rappers Kanye West, Eve, and 50 cent as well as writing on other artist projects. Spencer later took another break from the music industry to pursue other personal goals and interest, but has plans to continue other projects later in the future.

Albums

Year Title US/ USR&B Charts

1988 Tracie Spencer US-#146 US R&B-#57

1990 Make the Difference US-#107 US R&B-#38

1996 The Best of Tracie Spencer--

1999 Tracie US-#114 US R&B-#19

Singles

Year Title Album US/ US R&B Charts

1988 "Hide and Seek" Tracie Spencer US- US R&B-#32

1988 "Symptoms of True Love" Tracie Spencer US-#38 US R&B-#11

1989 "Imagine" Tracie Spencer US-#85 US R&B-#31

1990 "Save Your Love" Make The Difference US- US R&B-#7

1990 "This House" Make The Difference US-#3 US R&B-#7

1991 "This Time Make It Funky" Make The Difference US-#54 US R&B-#31

1991 "Tender Kisses" Make The Difference US-#42 US R&B-#1

1992 "Love Me" Make The Difference US-#48 US R&B-#2

1999 "It's All About You (Not About Me)" Tracie US-#18 US R&B-#6

2000 "Still In My Heart" Tracie US-#88 US R&B-#36

2000 "Not Gonna Cry" Tracie US-N/A N/A