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Keith Washington
Keith Washington
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Key Information

Keith Douglas Washington (born November 15, 1960)[2][1] is an American R&B vocalist from Detroit best known for his 1991 hit single "Kissing You".[1] The song was also used as background music for the ABC television soap opera General Hospital.[3] "Kissing You" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance Male and won a 1992 Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male. The song also topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for one week. .

Biography

[edit]

Prior to his success as a recording act, Washington earned recognition as a songwriter, co-writing Freddie Jackson's 1988 number one R&B hit "Hey Lover". Within three years, Washington had scored a contract as a solo artist, releasing his debut album, Make Time for Love, in 1991. In addition to "Kissing You", the album featured a number of successful follow-up R&B singles. He also recorded a duet with Kylie Minogue, their co-composition "If You Were with Me Now", in 1991 (on PWL Records), which reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart and number 23 in Minogue's native Australia. In 1992, Washington’s song “Tonight Is Right” appeared on the movie soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy’s film, Boomberang. Washington was featured on a song with Chante Moore “Candlelight And You” which appeared on the movie soundtrack of the film, House Party 2 in 1992. Washington's follow-up album, You Make It Easy appeared in 1993, though its success paled in comparison to the debut. It would be another five years before Washington released his third album, KW, which featured the minor single, "Bring It On".

Washington branched out in a few acting roles, starring as himself on the television series Martin in an episode called "A Woman with a Past" which featured him singing a duet with Tisha Campbell-Martin titled "The Closer I Get to You", a classic ballad performed and made famous in 1978 by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Additionally, Keith had a brief role in the TV soap opera General Hospital as Keith Jasper. Appearing alongside lead actress Janet Jackson, he also had a brief role in John Singleton's Poetic Justice, as a hairdresser named Dexter.[4]

Washington's first marriage was to Marsha Jenkins and ended in divorce and resulted in her writing The Other Side of Through, a book loosely based on Jenkins' marriage to Washington and her experiences with the singer's marital infidelities.[5] In June 2009, Washington married his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie Grimes, who is general sales manager for WGPR-FM 107.5 in Detroit. He also revealed his plans to release a new album.[6] Washington has since branched out into radio himself, as he now hosts the nighttime "Slow Jams" show "Kisses After Dark" on Detroit radio station WDMK-FM 105.9 (Kiss-FM).

As of 2025, Washington is still performing in concerts and he is still on tour today.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak positions
US
[7]
US
R&B

[7]
Make Time for Love 48 1
You Make It Easy
  • Released: September 21, 1993
  • Label: Qwest, Warner Bros.
100 15
KW
  • Released: March 10, 1998
  • Label: Silas
125 27

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak positions Album
US
[8]
US
R&B

[9]
AUS
[10]
UK
[11]
"Kissing You" 1991 40 1 Make Time for Love
"Are You Still in Love with Me" 15
"If You Were with Me Now"
(duet with Kylie Minogue)
23 4 Let's Get to It
"Make Time for Love" 1992 22 Make Time for Love
"When You Love Somebody" 26
"Stay in My Corner" 1993 34 You Make It Easy
"Believe That" 1994 30
"Trippin'" 77
"Bring It On" 1998 63 22 KW
"I Love You"
(duet with Chanté Moore)
"I Don't Mind"
"Thinkin 'Bout You" 2012 Non-album single
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released.

Soundtracks and appearances

[edit]
Year Single Album
1992 "Tonight Is Right" Boomerang: Original Soundtrack Album

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Keith Washington (born November 15, 1960) is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and from , , best known for his 1991 debut single "Kissing You," which topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for one week and peaked at number 40 on the Hot 100. The track, from his debut album Make Time for Love, earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, at the and a 1992 Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male. Washington's smooth, emotive style positioned him among the prominent urban contemporary balladists of the early , with follow-up singles like "Are You Still in Love with Me" also charting on the R&B singles . He released two additional albums in the decade, You Make It Easy (1993) and KW (1998), before a hiatus, though he has continued performing live, including tributes to influences like . In addition to music, Washington appeared in films such as Poetic Justice (1993), where he played the role of Dexter, and contributed to soundtracks for movies including Boomerang (1992) and The Meteor Man (1993).

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Keith Washington was born on November 15, 1960, in , , to African-American parents. He was one of six children raised by a single mother in the city. Washington grew up in a large, musically inclined family, as the nephew of R&B singer Gino Washington, whose career in the 1960s contributed to the local scene. His childhood unfolded in during the era, a period when the label and its artists dominated the soul and R&B landscape, fostering a rich cultural environment of live performances and radio broadcasts that permeated the community. From an early age, Washington displayed interest in music, singing regularly around town amid Detroit's vibrant R&B culture. This exposure to the city's soulful heritage laid the foundation for his later professional pursuits.

Musical Influences and Education

Keith Washington's musical journey began in the vibrant soul music scene of Detroit, where he was profoundly influenced by the Motown sound that defined the city's cultural landscape. Growing up immersed in this environment, he drew inspiration from iconic Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, whose emotive delivery and innovative songcraft shaped his appreciation for soulful expression. Additionally, family ties played a pivotal role; as the nephew of R&B singer Gino Washington, Keith was exposed early to professional performance standards and the intricacies of the industry through familial connections. His education in music was largely informal, rooted in Detroit's dynamic community rather than structured academia. His talent was discovered around age seven when his older sister Elaine overheard him singing a song and informed their mother, leading to early performance opportunities. Starting at the age of six, Washington began performing, opening for established artists like at venues such as the Twenty Grand club, thanks to his family's industry links. This hands-on immersion provided a practical foundation in vocal technique and stage presence without formal lessons. During his adolescence, Washington developed his signature smooth, soulful R&B style, blending the passionate phrasing of influences like and with the rhythmic groove of . This period of self-directed growth in Detroit's talent-rich ecosystem solidified his versatile voice, emphasizing emotional depth and melodic fluidity that would later define his recordings.

Music Career

Early Songwriting and Debut

Washington's entry into the music industry as a songwriter came in 1988 when he co-wrote the track for R&B , alongside Arthur Baker. The song, featured on Jackson's album Don't Let Love Slip Away, topped the chart for two weeks and reached number 18 on the , establishing Washington's credibility in the R&B scene. Following this success, Washington signed with , a label under and founded by , which relocated him from , to to develop his debut project. The Make Time for Love was released on April 16, 1991, with Washington serving as a co-producer and co-writer on several tracks alongside his wife Marsha and collaborator Rodney Shelton. Key production contributions came from Terry Coffey, Jon Nettlesbey, Paul Laurence, Barry Eastmond, Laney Stewart, and Trey Stone, who handled arrangements, instrumentation, and engineering during sessions that emphasized Washington's smooth tenor and contemporary R&B style. The album received positive critical attention for its romantic ballads and vocal delivery, earning a 4-out-of-5 rating from for its polished production and emotional depth. Commercially, Make Time for Love peaked at number 48 on the and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, ultimately achieving gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.

Breakthrough Hits and Albums

Keith Washington's breakthrough came with the release of his debut single "Kissing You" in , which became his signature hit and propelled him into the spotlight within the R&B genre. The track, a heartfelt ballad produced by Barry Eastmond, topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for one week and reached number 40 on the , marking his first major commercial success. This achievement earned "Kissing You" a nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the in 1992, where Washington competed alongside artists like and . Additionally, the song secured a win for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male at the , held on March 10 in and broadcast nationally, highlighting Washington's rising prominence in circles. That same year, Washington expanded his reach internationally through a duet with Australian pop star on "If You Were with Me Now," a co-written track that blended R&B with pop sensibilities. Released as a single from Minogue's album , it peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and number 23 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, introducing Washington to global audiences and boosting his profile beyond the U.S. market. The collaboration, promoted through Minogue's established fanbase and international tours, underscored Washington's versatility in cross-genre partnerships. Building on this momentum, Washington's second studio album, You Make It Easy, arrived in 1993 via , further solidifying his reputation for emotive R&B ballads. The album peaked at number 24 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting a stylistic toward more polished, mature love songs that emphasized his delivery and lush production. Tracks like "Believe That" exemplified this shift, incorporating sophisticated arrangements influenced by contemporaries such as , while maintaining the romantic intimacy that defined his breakthrough sound.

Later Releases and Ongoing Performances

Washington's third studio album, KW, arrived on March 10, 1998, via Records, a departure from his prior affiliations with and labels. The project peaked at number 27 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, featuring soulful tracks such as "Bring It On," which climbed to number 22 on the chart, alongside "I Love You" and "Tell Me (Are You with It)." Following a lengthy absence from recording, Washington issued the single "Thinkin' Bout You" in under Ruth Records, a smooth R&B track that hinted at potential new directions but did not lead to a full . Around , he announced intentions for a comeback , though these plans ultimately went unrealized, shifting his focus toward live engagements and other pursuits. In recent years, Washington's performances have emphasized his enduring stage presence, blending timeless hits with fresh interpretations to engage audiences. He headlined the 2024 Poconos Classic R&B Music Festival at Kalahari Resorts in Mount Pocono, delivering sets that showcased his vocal range on classics like "Kissing You." In 2025, he performed at a May 24 show at City Winery in New York and a June 14 show at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., where he continued to incorporate contemporary flair into his repertoire. Additionally, Washington reprised his role as Marvin Gaye in the touring stage play My Brother Marvin during 2023-2024 runs, weaving musical elements from his catalog into theatrical narratives for a multifaceted live experience.

Acting and Other Ventures

Television Roles

Keith Washington's television career began in the late with musical performances but transitioned into roles in the early , where he often blended his R&B talents with scripted appearances. His debut came on the sitcom Martin, where he guest-starred as himself in the episode "A Woman with a Past" (Season 1, Episode 8, aired November 1, 1992). In the episode, Washington's character appears as a guest on Martin Payne's radio show, sparking jealousy when Gina Waters reveals they dated in high school; the segment culminates in Washington performing a duet of "The Closer I Get to You" with (playing Gina), showcasing his vocal prowess alongside comedic dialogue. This integration of and highlighted Washington's versatility, earning positive notes for the episode's humor and musical highlight. Washington had a brief role as Keith Jasper on the ABC soap opera in the early 1990s. His hit single "Kissing You" was featured as background music in an episode of the show. Washington's presence added a musical dimension to the soap's interpersonal plots, and he later reflected on the experience as a significant step in his pursuits. The role received attention for bridging his music career with television drama, though specific critical reception focused more on the show's overall narrative arcs. Washington's television work continued sporadically, with a notable return in 2025 on the sitcom Mind Your Business, where he appeared as Dan in the episode "The Golden Gears" (Season 2, Episode 2, aired June 14, 2025). In this ensemble about a family-run party planning business, Washington's character contributes to lighthearted ensemble scenes, emphasizing his established screen presence without prominent musical elements. This appearance marked his most recent scripted TV role as of 2025, demonstrating ongoing interest in acting amid his primary focus on and radio hosting. No other major episodic or roles have been documented beyond these, though his performances on music programs like in the 1990s further integrated his singing into broadcast media.

Film and Stage Appearances

In the early 1990s, Keith Washington expanded his career beyond music into acting, debuting on screen in John Singleton's romantic drama Poetic Justice (1993). He portrayed Dexter, a charismatic hairdresser at the salon where the protagonist Justice (played by Janet Jackson) works, appearing in key scenes that highlight the camaraderie among the stylists and provide levity amid the film's exploration of grief and romance. Washington's character interacts directly with Jackson's Justice and other ensemble members, including Tupac Shakur as Lucky, contributing to the story's depiction of South Central Los Angeles community life. Washington's stage work gained prominence later in his career, particularly with his lead portrayal of in the touring production My Brother Marvin, a biographical play written by Angela Barrow-Dunlap and inspired by the memoir of Gaye's sister Zeola Gaye. Premiering in 2013 at Detroit's Fisher Theatre, Washington embodied the iconic singer in his adult years, drawing praise from Gaye's family for his natural resemblance and authentic performance without overt mimicry. The production toured nationally, offering insights into Gaye's personal struggles, family dynamics, and rise to fame, with Washington sharing the role in dual casting alongside Tony Grant. This transition to theater in the 2010s marked a revival in Washington's performing arts involvement, allowing him to leverage his vocal talents in musical dramatic roles. Subsequent engagements in regional stage productions further showcased his versatility, though My Brother Marvin remains his most notable theatrical credit, emphasizing character depth over his musical persona. Critical responses highlighted his emotional delivery in capturing Gaye's vulnerability, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted entertainer.

Personal Life

Family and Marriage

Washington was born into a large musical family in as one of six children and is the nephew of R&B singer Gino Washington. His first marriage was to Marsha Jenkins, whom he met around age 23; the union lasted approximately 14 years before ending in divorce. Jenkins chronicled their relationship in her 2009 book The Other Side of Through, which addressed the challenges of fame on their personal life. In June 2009, Washington married his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie Grimes, a radio executive serving as general sales manager for WGPR-FM 107.5 in at the time. The couple divorced in 2015. Washington has kept details of his family life, including any children, largely private, with limited public information available beyond his marital history. This emphasis on privacy has allowed him to balance his ongoing performances and professional endeavors with personal matters away from .

Radio Hosting and Community Involvement

Keith Washington expanded his career into radio broadcasting in late 2010, launching the nighttime program "Kisses After Dark" on Detroit's WDMK-FM 105.9 (Kiss-FM). The show specialized in slow jams, featuring classic and tracks that evoked romance and nostalgia, drawing an audience of listeners seeking intimate, soulful evening entertainment. This format complemented Washington's own vocal style, allowing him to curate content that resonated with his established persona in the genre while fostering a dedicated following in the area. Through "Kisses After Dark," Washington contributed to the local music scene by promoting R&B heritage and engaging with Detroit's cultural fabric, where he was raised. The program provided a platform for discussing the evolution of , often highlighting influences from the city's rich history, without delving into his personal discography. Washington's media presence extends to public speaking and interviews, where he reflects on the R&B legacy and his roots. In a May 2024 appearance on The Able Show, he discussed his journey from local beginnings to national recognition, emphasizing the importance of honoring pioneers like in preserving the genre's soulful essence. These engagements underscore his role in community education about R&B's cultural impact, tying directly into the thematic intimacy of his radio work.

Discography

Studio Albums

Keith Washington's debut studio album, Make Time for Love, was released on April 16, 1991, by Qwest Records, a label under Warner Bros. The album featured production from Keith Washington himself, alongside Terry Coffey, Barry Eastmond, Jon Nettlesbey, Laney Stewart, and Trey Stone, with Raoul Roach serving as executive producer. It peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard 200 chart and reached number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Key tracks included the lead single "Kissing You," which became his signature hit, as well as "Are You Still in Love with Me" and the title track, blending smooth R&B ballads with contemporary soul arrangements. His sophomore effort, You Make It Easy, arrived on September 21, 1993, also via Qwest Records. Produced primarily by Jon Nettlesbey, Terry Coffey, and Washington, the album marked a slight stylistic shift toward more upbeat, mid-tempo grooves while retaining his emotive vocal style rooted in romantic R&B. It achieved moderate success, peaking at number 100 on the Billboard 200 and number 15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Standout tracks like "Stay in My Corner" and "Let Me Make Love to You" highlighted his ability to convey intimacy, though the project did not replicate the commercial breakthrough of his debut. Washington's third studio album, KW, was issued on March 10, 1998, by Silas Records (an MCA imprint). The production team included Fred Jerkins III, Rashad Coes, Terry Coffey, and Mark J. Feist, incorporating hip-hop-influenced beats and modern R&B elements for a fresh sound. It peaked at number 125 on the and number 27 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Notable tracks such as "Bring It On" and "I Love You" showcased his continued focus on heartfelt lyrics, receiving positive notes for its polished execution despite limited mainstream promotion.

Singles

Keith Washington's singles career began with his breakthrough in the early 1990s, marked by smooth R&B ballads that showcased his tenor vocals and songwriting talents. His debut single, "Kissing You," from the 1991 album Make Time for Love, became his signature hit, peaking at number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for one week. The track, co-written by Washington with Marsha Jenkins and Rodney Shelton, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and won the 1992 Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Male. Another major release that year was the duet "If You Were with Me Now" with , recorded for her album . Co-written by Washington, the track peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and number 23 on the Australian Singles Chart, marking his strongest international performance. The collaboration stemmed from Washington's growing profile after "Kissing You," with recording sessions in emphasizing harmonious vocal layering to blend their styles. Subsequent singles from Make Time for Love included "Are You Still in Love with Me," which reached number 15 on the chart, and "Make Time for Love," peaking at number 22 on the same chart. These tracks solidified his presence in R&B radio rotation, often promoted through live performances and Quincy Jones's network. Later efforts like "Stay in My Corner" from the 1993 album You Make It Easy charted at number 34 on the chart. In the late , "Bring It On" from his 1998 self-titled album KW achieved number 63 on the and number 22 on the chart, serving as a return to form with its mid-tempo groove. Washington's output included the independent single "Thinkin' Bout You" in 2012, released via Ruth Records, which received airplay on adult stations but did not enter major charts; it was accompanied by a video emphasizing nostalgic themes.

Guest Appearances and Soundtracks

Throughout his career, Keith Washington has made notable guest appearances on tracks by other artists, showcasing his smooth R&B vocals in collaborative settings. One prominent example is his 1991 duet with Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue on "If You Were with Me Now," which appeared on her album Let's Get to It and became a top-10 hit in several European countries, blending R&B with pop elements. He also collaborated with R&B singer Chanté Moore on "Candlelight and You" in 1991, a romantic ballad that highlighted their vocal chemistry and was featured both on Moore's debut album Precious and as the love theme for the film House Party 2. Later, in 1998, Washington and Moore reunited for another duet, "I Love You," on his self-titled album KW, further cementing their partnership in soulful, mid-tempo R&B. In 2014, he appeared on "Shelter" by Steven Russell Harts (with Joe Little, Al B. Sure!, Elliott Yamin, and Howard Hewitt) and "Trippin (Remix)" by Sir Jinx. Washington contributed several songs to film soundtracks during the early 1990s, aligning with the era's surge in urban R&B cinema scores. His track "Tonight Is Right" was included on the Boomerang soundtrack in 1992, a star-studded album featuring artists like Janet Jackson and Boyz II Men, where Washington's sensual delivery complemented the film's romantic comedy vibe starring Eddie Murphy. In 1993, he provided "Is It Just Too Much" for The Meteor Man, Robert Townsend's superhero comedy, produced by George Duke and emphasizing Washington's emotive range amid contributions from artists like Shanice and Hi-Five. Additionally, "Candlelight and You" (with Moore) served as a key romantic interlude in House Party 2 (1991), enhancing the sequel's party-themed narrative with its warm, harmonious production. These soundtrack appearances helped expand Washington's visibility beyond solo releases, integrating his music into popular Black cinema of the time.

References

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