Phyllisia

Pop-R&B vocalist and pianist Phyllisia (last name: Ross) was driven to be an entertainer (as well as a pediatrician) by the death of her father, who passed away when she was ten years old. A demo featuring a version of “Wind Beneath My Wings,” recorded in tribute to her father, prompted the SoBe label to sign her. In June 2009, “Sunshine” — a single featuring appearances from Ne-Yo and Flo Rida — had a brief stay on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, but it did not provide much momentum for Phyllisia, who wouldn’t reach the chart again until September 2011. On her return single, “I Love You,” she was joined by Yung Joc and Jah Cure. Her debut album, featuring some production input from Scott Storch, was scheduled for release later in the year.