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Key Information

Samuel Joshua Watters (born July 23, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and record executive.[1] Watters was a member of the multi-platinum selling 1990s R&B group Color Me Badd and co-authored many of their hits including "I Adore Mi Amor", and "All 4 Love".[2] Watters has also written and produced songs for Grammy-winning and nominated artists such as American Idol winners Fantasia, Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks, and other superstars such as Céline Dion, Whitney Houston, Leona Lewis, and Anastacia.[3] Watters is a member of the production/songwriting team The Runaways including fellow hitmakers Rico Love, Wayne Wilkins, Ryan Tedder, and Louis Biancaniello.[4]

Music career

[edit]

Color Me Badd

[edit]

Watters formed what later would be known as the R&B singing group Color Me Badd in high school along with fellow members Mark Calderon, Kevin Thornton, and Bryan Abrams.[5] After forming, the group was soon discovered by Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool and the Gang fame.[5] Bell introduced them to his management team and the group were soon signed to Giant Records in 1990.[5]

As part of Color Me Badd, Watters and his band mates sold 8.8 million records over their career and had nine Top 40 Hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including three number ones with "I Wanna Sex You Up" (No. 1 Billboard R&B and No. 2 Billboard Hot 100), I Adore Mi Amor" and "All 4 Love".[6][7] Once Color Me Badd disbanded in 1998, Watters elected to pursue a career in music production and songwriting.[5]

Production and songwriting

[edit]

Watters met record producer and songwriter Louis Biancaniello in 1996 while working on Color Me Badd's third album Now and Forever.[8] Watters and Biancaniello soon became production partners and have been writing songs and producing together ever since.[8]

The partners wrote and produced Jessica Simpson's hit "I Wanna Love You Forever," released in September 1999.[9] The platinum single was Simpson's first top ten hit which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[9][10]

Released in February 1999, the partners produced and co-wrote with Anastacia her debut single "I'm Outta Love," from her album Not That Kind which went on to platinum and multiplatinum status in 10 countries.[11][12] The single was a hit internationally going Top 5 in 10 countries.[12][11]

In 2001, Watters produced, co-wrote (with Biancaniello) and sang background vocals (with Mary Griffin) on "What About Love" for the album Bad Girls from Spanish singer Mónica Naranjo.

Watters and Biancaniello produced and co-wrote another single with Anastacia, "One Day in Your Life", released in March 2002.[13] The top ten single charted in 8 other countries.[13][14] Also released in March 2002 was Celine Dion's multi-platinum album A New Day Has Come.[15][16] Watters and Biancaniello co-wrote the song "I Surrender" on the album that debuted at No. 1 in over 20 countries.[17][18] The album went on to sell 12 million copies worldwide.[18]

In June 2004, Watters and Biancaniello co-wrote with Watters' wife and fellow American Idol contestant Tamyra Gray, "I Believe" released by American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia.[19][20] The song debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[21] The single went platinum and won the Billboard Top Selling Single of the Year and Top Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year for 2004 and the Billboard American Urban Radio Networks Top Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year for 2005.[22]

In 2007, Watters formed the production/songwriting team The Runaways along with Biancaniello, Wayne Wilkins, Rico Love, and Ryan Tedder.[23] Some of the team's hits have included, Natasha Bedingfield's "Love Like This", and Keri Hilson's "Energy".[23]

In April 2007, Watters and Biancaniello wrote and produced[24] another hit single for Fantasia, "When I See U", which spent 8 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[25] It became the No. 8 song of the decade on the chart,[26] went gold, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song).[16][27]

The Watters and Biancaniello duo also worked on the British singer's Leona Lewis' 2007 debut album, Spirit, which sold 7 million units worldwide.[28][29] The duo co-wrote and co-produced two songs, "Yesterday" and "Take a Bow" and produced a third, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face".[29]

Watters and Biancaniello wrote three songs for Kelly Clarkson's March 2009 studio album All I Ever Wanted: "Whyyawannabringmedown", "The Day We Fell Apart" and the title track "All I Ever Wanted". They also produced a fourth song entitled "I Want You."[30] The album sold over 900,000 copies in the US, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 album chart, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.[31][32][33]

In May 2009, former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks released the single "Battlefield".[34] Watters co-wrote and co-produced the song that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.[35] Outside of the US, it reached number five in Canada and reached the top ten in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, and the top twenty in the United Kingdom. With this song Watters assisted the platinum singer in achieving her third top ten Billboard Hot 100 single.[35][36]

Watters had chart success overseas with the multi-platinum British girl group The Saturdays' "Forever Is Over" which was a No. 2 single on the UK Singles chart.[37] The song was released in October 2009, with Watters co-writing and co-producing the song, along with Biancaniello and others.[38]

Watters followed the success he had overseas with the multi-million selling Irish pop group Westlife in November 2009.[39] Westlife's album Where We Are contained two titles co-produced and co-written by Watters.[40] The album went double platinum in the United Kingdom, triple platinum in Ireland, and gold in New Zealand and Sweden.[41]

From 2014–2016, Watters was VP of Island Records under David Massey where he worked on artists such as Shawn Mendes, Iggy Azalea, Keke Palmer and Luke James.[42]

After leaving Island in 2016, Watters began to manage the artist Lucky Daye, who was nominated for four Grammy Awards in 2020.[citation needed] Watters also manages Bobi Andonov.[43]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
  • Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for Fantasia's "When I See U"[44] (2008)
  • Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance – Duo or Group for Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up"[45] (1992)
  • Grammy nomination for Best New Artist for Color Me Badd[45] (1992)
  • American Music Award for Favorite Single – Soul/R&B for Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up"[46] (1991)
  • Soul Train Music Award for Best RB/Urban Contemporary Single – Group, Band or Duo for Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up"[46] (1991)
  • Soul Train Music Award for Best RB/Urban Contemporary Song of the Year for Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up"[46] (1991)
  • American Music Award nomination for Favorite New Artist – Pop / Rock for Color Me Badd[47] (1991)
  • American Music Award nomination for Favorite New Artist – Soul / Rhythm & Blues for Color Me Badd[47] (1991)
  • American Music Award nomination for Favorite Single – Pop / Rock for Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up"[47] (1991)
  • American Music Award nomination for Favorite Single – Soul / Rhythm & Blues for Color Me Badd's "I Adore Mi Amor"[47] (1991)
  • American Music Award nomination for Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Pop / Rock for Color Me Badd[47] (1991)

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart positions Album
US Hot 100 US
Pop 		US Dance Club US
R&B 		CAN UK AUS EU Hot 100 NZ IRA
1991 "I Wanna Sex You Up" (Color Me Badd) 2 – – 1 20 1 4 – 1 9 C.M.B.
"I Adore Mi Amor" (Color Me Badd) 1 – – 1 – – – – – –
"All 4 Love" (Color Me Badd) 1 – – – – 5 9 – 1 8
1993 "Time and Chance" (Color Me Badd) – – – 2 – – – – – – Time and Chance
1999 "I Wanna Love You Forever" (Jessica Simpson) 3 – – – 9 7 9 6 16 13 Sweet Kisses
1999 "I'm Outta Love" (Anastacia) 92 – 2 – 11 6 1 1 1 2 Not That Kind
2002 "One Day in Your Life" (Anastacia) – – 1 – – 11 6 19 15 15 Freak Of Nature
2004 "I Believe" (Fantasia) 1 12 – – 1 – 4 – 20 – Free Yourself
2007 "When I See U" (Fantasia) 32 – – 1 – – – – – – Fantasia
2009 "Battlefield" (Jordin Sparks) 10 11 – – 5 11 4 23 3 9 Battlefield
"Forever Is Over" (The Saturdays) – – – – – 2 – 8 – 9 Wordshaker
2010 "All Night Long" (Alexandra Burke) – – – – – 4 48 14 – 1 Overcome

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Color Me Badd discography
Color Me Badd albums

Musical Influences

[edit]

Watters has cited diverse singer, songwriter, and producer influences such as Ronald Bell, Narada Michael Walden, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, L.A. Reid & Babyface, David Foster, Miles Foster, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Bootsy Collins, Howie Tee, and Diane Warren.[5][46]

Ventures

[edit]

London Police

[edit]

Watters and Biancaniello formed their own record label, London Police, in 2010.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sam Watters

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Samuel Joshua Watters (born July 23, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and record executive best known as a founding member of the R&B vocal group and for co-writing multiple chart-topping hits across pop and R&B genres. Born in , Watters grew up in , where he formed during high school with Bryan Abrams, Kevin Thornton, and Mark Calderon. The group relocated to in 1989 and signed with Giant Records, releasing their multi-platinum debut album in 1991, which featured Watters' co-writes on the number-one singles "," "," and "I Adore Mi Amor," propelling sales beyond six million copies worldwide. earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the in 1992. Following the group's disbandment in 1998, Watters transitioned to full-time production and songwriting, partnering with to co-write and produce multiple number-one hits across various international charts for artists including ("I Wanna Love You Forever"), Anastacia (tracks from ), , and Fantasia Barrino ("I Believe," which reached number one on the ). Their collaboration on Fantasia's "When I See U" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2008. The group reunited in 2010 with varying lineups. Watters has credits on over 50 million albums sold globally and later held the position of vice president of A&R at , working with acts such as and .

Personal life

Early life

Samuel Joshua Watters was born on July 23, 1970, in . Watters spent his early childhood in before relocating to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended Northwest Classen High School. It was during his high school years at Northwest Classen that Watters first developed a strong interest in music, participating in the school choir and beginning to collaborate with fellow students who shared his passion for . These early experiences laid the foundation for his musical pursuits, as he and his peers honed their skills and performed for visiting s.

Family and relationships

Sam Watters married singer and American Idol season 1 finalist Tamyra Gray on September 2, 2006, in a ceremony held in Capri, Italy, attended by 45 guests. The couple announced Gray's pregnancy with their first child together in March 2010. Their daughter, Sienna Marie Watters, was born on July 17, 2010, in Los Angeles. Watters has a son, Kieran Watters, from a previous relationship; Gray became his following the . Watters' father, Daniel Ray Watters, passed away on September 29, 2020, in . The family resides in , where they have maintained a private amid their respective music careers.

Music career

Color Me Badd

was formed in 1985 in , , by high school friends Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Sam Watters, and Kevin , who met while singing in their school choir. The quartet honed their harmonies performing at local events and talent shows, blending R&B, pop, and influences. After graduating and relocating to to pursue music professionally, they secured a record deal with Giant Records in 1990. Their self-titled debut album, C.M.B., was released on July 23, 1991, and quickly propelled them to stardom with its infectious, upbeat tracks. The group's commercial breakthrough came with lead single "," which peaked at No. 2 on the and No. 1 on the chart, earning triple-platinum certification for the album. Overall, sold over 12 million records worldwide and amassed nine Top 40 hits on the , including the No. 1 singles "" in 1991 and "" in 1992. Sam Watters played a pivotal role as a vocalist and co-songwriter, contributing to key tracks like "" (co-written with and others) and "," which showcased his knack for crafting catchy, romantic hooks that defined the group's sound. Their success also included two and performances on major platforms like . Despite their early triumphs, internal tensions arose over creative control, finances, and , exacerbated by the pressures of fame. These dynamics led to a hiatus in the late , with Watters and Thornton departing the group in 1998 amid growing conflicts. The band sporadically reunited in various configurations starting in the , though legal disputes—including federal lawsuits over rights and royalties—resulted in further departures, such as Thornton's exit in 2016 and Abrams' in 2020. Recent reunion efforts have focused on nostalgia tours without Watters, including a 2024 performance at the alongside and , and scheduled 2025 dates such as November 22 at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. As of November 2025, Color Me Badd remains active under the leadership of Mark Calderon, continuing to perform their classic hits for fans while navigating ongoing and ownership issues. Following his exit, Watters shifted focus to individual production and songwriting endeavors.

Production and songwriting

Following his tenure with , Sam Watters established a successful solo career as a and songwriter, forming a key partnership with in 1996. The duo met while Watters was recording with Narada Michael Walden in , and quickly became a prolific team known for their work in pop and R&B. Together, they co-wrote and produced numerous chart-topping tracks, blending emotional depth with polished production that appealed to a wide audience. The Watters-Biancaniello partnership yielded several major hits in the late 1990s and early , including Jessica Simpson's "" (1999), which peaked at No. 3 on the and helped launch Simpson's career as a pop specialist. Other standout collaborations include Anastacia's "" (2000), a gritty R&B-pop anthem that reached No. 1 in and topped charts in several European countries; Celine Dion's "I Surrender" (2002), a sweeping power from her album that showcased Dion's vocal range; Fantasia's "I Believe" (2004), which debuted at No. 1 on the as the season three winner's single; and Jordin Sparks' "" (2009), peaking at No. 10 on the and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. These tracks highlighted the duo's ability to craft anthemic songs with relatable lyrics and soaring choruses, often drawing from personal themes of and resilience. Watters and Biancaniello extended their influence to collaborations with established artists such as , including songs like "All I Ever Wanted" and "The Day We Fell Apart" from her 2009 album of the same name. Their songwriting approach emphasized collaborative , often starting with intimate discussions about relationships and emotions before layering in melodic hooks and dynamic arrangements to create radio-ready hits. This method, refined over years at studios like in San Rafael, allowed them to adapt to various artists' styles while maintaining a signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and contemporary production. Into the 2020s, Watters continued evolving his production career, notably co-producing Lady Blackbird's debut album Black Acid Soul (2021) alongside Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and , infusing soulful jazz elements into modern tracks that earned critical acclaim and charted in the UK. While specific unreleased projects remain under wraps as of 2025, Watters has shifted focus toward A&R and management roles, supporting emerging talent while occasionally returning to hands-on production for select artists. This progression reflects his transition from hitmaker to industry mentor, building on decades of high-impact contributions to pop and R&B.

The Runaways

In 2007, Sam Watters co-founded the songwriting and production collective alongside , , Wayne Wilkins, and . The team focused on crafting contemporary pop and R&B tracks for up-and-coming artists, leveraging the members' individual strengths in melody, lyrics, and beats to produce polished, radio-ready material. This collaboration extended Watters' longstanding partnership with Biancaniello, emphasizing group synergy in the competitive music production landscape. The Runaways quickly made an impact with several high-profile releases in the late 2000s. Their production on Natasha Bedingfield's "Love Like This" (featuring ), from her 2008 album , blended upbeat pop hooks with R&B influences, earning widespread airplay. Similarly, they helmed Keri Hilson's "" from her 2009 debut In a Perfect World..., a midtempo empowerment anthem that highlighted the team's knack for empowering vocal performances. The collective also contributed to Leona Lewis's "Take a Bow" on her 2007 album Spirit, showcasing their ability to adapt to diverse vocal styles in the pop-soul vein. A key aspect of The Runaways' output involved supporting emerging talents from , particularly contestants. They produced Blake Lewis's debut single "Break Anotha" for his 2007 album Audio Day Dream, infusing the track with electronic beats and pop flair suited to Lewis's background as the season 6 runner-up. Additionally, the team worked on multiple songs for Jordin Sparks's 2009 album , including production credits on tracks that amplified her win from the same Idol season. Through these efforts, influenced the mid-to-late 2000s pop and R&B scenes by delivering versatile, chart-oriented productions that bridged electronic elements with emotional songwriting, aiding artists in establishing mainstream footholds. The collective remained active into the late 2000s before evolving into members' independent pursuits by the decade's end.

Business ventures

London Police

Sam Watters co-founded London Police in 2010 with his longtime production partner , launching it as an independent artist development and production label dedicated to cultivating emerging talent in R&B and . The label emphasizes hands-on guidance for new artists, providing production, songwriting, and career development support to help them navigate the competitive . Among the key artists signed to London Police are singer-songwriter , whose collaborations with the label led to contributions on major projects including Zedd's "" and collaborations with , and Nino, an R&B artist signed to the imprint. Notable releases include Koma's debut singles like "" in 2012, produced by Watters and Biancaniello, which marked the label's initial foray into artist launches. By 2012, the label expanded its reach by partnering with to sign singer Marley Munroe through the London Police imprint, resulting in promotional singles co-written and produced by the team, such as "". London Police focused on a selective roster in its early years, with contributions from signed artists to pop hits. The label has faced challenges common to independents, such as securing major distribution deals and competing with corporate giants for talent, yet it has achieved impact through strategic partnerships and Watters' established network from his time at . Achievements include helping signed artists secure placements on Grammy-nominated projects and building a reputation for high-caliber production in urban pop. As of 2025, no major new releases or activities have been reported for the label.

Executive and management roles

Following his successful career as a and songwriter, Sam Watters transitioned into executive roles within the music industry, beginning with his appointment as of A&R at in 2014, where he focused on artist development and scouting new talent under the leadership of David Massey. In this position, Watters contributed to the label's roster by overseeing projects for emerging and established artists, emphasizing creative direction and long-term career growth during his tenure through 2016. This move marked a shift from hands-on production to broader strategic oversight, allowing him to leverage his industry experience to shape artist trajectories at a major label. In , Watters established himself as an independent manager, applying his expertise in A&R and production to guide careers through project development, deal negotiations, and creative strategy. He has managed artists such as , providing oversight on releases and promotional campaigns that propelled the singer's rise in . Under Watters' management, earned four Grammy nominations in 2020 for his debut Painted, highlighting Watters' impact on elevating artists to award-level recognition. Watters extended his management portfolio to include other talents like and Kieran Watters, offering tailored guidance on recording, touring, and branding up to 2025. His approach emphasizes sustainable career building, drawing from his production background to ensure artistic integrity while navigating industry challenges, resulting in consistent project successes for his clients. This evolution from label executive to personal manager has solidified Watters' role as a key influencer in artist development, fostering breakthroughs in a competitive landscape.

Recognition

Awards

As a founding member of the R&B group Color Me Badd, Sam Watters shared in the group's American Music Award win for Favorite Soul/R&B Single in 1992, awarded for their breakout hit "I Wanna Sex You Up," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and exemplified the group's blend of new jack swing and harmonious vocals that propelled their debut album C.M.B. to multi-platinum status. This accolade, determined by public vote, underscored the song's widespread commercial and cultural impact during the early 1990s R&B resurgence, marking Color Me Badd as one of the era's defining acts. Watters also contributed to Color Me Badd's two in 1992 at the sixth annual ceremony, winning Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo and R&B/Soul Song of the Year for "I Wanna Sex You Up," recognizing the track's innovative production and vocal arrangement that fused hip-hop influences with soulful melodies. These victories highlighted the group's rapid rise from obscurity to industry prominence, as noted in contemporary coverage, and celebrated their role in revitalizing group-oriented R&B at a time when solo artists dominated the genre. As former manager of R&B artist (2017–c. 2024), Watters guided the singer to a Grammy win for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "That's You" from the album Algorithm at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025.

Nominations

Sam Watters, as part of , earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the in 1992. This recognition highlighted his early contributions as a co-writer and performer in the group's breakthrough hit, which propelled their debut album to multi-platinum status and influenced the era of R&B. In 2008, Watters received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song as a co-songwriter on Fantasia's "When I See U" at the . The track, from Fantasia's sophomore album, showcased Watters' production expertise in crafting emotionally resonant R&B ballads, contributing to the song's chart success and broader industry acclaim for blending soulful vocals with contemporary arrangements. As former manager of R&B artist Lucky Daye (2017–c. 2024), Watters guided the singer through several high-profile Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Album for the debut album Painted at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020. Additional nods under his management include Best R&B Performance for "How Much Can A Heart Take" (featuring Yebba) at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022 and Best Progressive R&B Album for the EP Table for Two in the same year. More recently, in 2025, Lucky Daye's album Algorithm garnered a nomination for Best R&B Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Watters' work with also led to nominations at the , such as Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Single for "" in 1992. These accolades, alongside Grammy nods, amplified Watters' visibility in the 1990s R&B scene, fostering long-term opportunities in songwriting, production, and artist management that extended his influence into the 2020s. The persistent nominations for his managed artists like have reinforced Watters' impact on sustaining R&B's commercial and critical relevance, bridging classic and modern sounds without securing every accolade.

Works

As Performer

Sam Watters was a founding member and vocalist of the R&B group , contributing to their studio albums and compilations as a performer and co-songwriter.
YearAlbumChart PerformanceCertification
1991C.M.B. ()#3 US 3× Platinum (RIAA)
1993Time and Chance ()#56 US Gold (RIAA)
1998Awakening ()——
2000The Best of (compilation)——

As Producer and Songwriter

Watters, often in collaboration with , has produced and co-written tracks for numerous artists, contributing to the following key albums.
YearAlbumArtistRoleChart PerformanceCertification
1999Producer, co-writer (e.g., "I Wanna Love You Forever")#25 Billboard 2002× Platinum (RIAA)
2004Free YourselfFantasiaProducer (e.g., "I Believe")#8 Billboard 200Platinum (RIAA)
2009Co-writer, producer (title track "Battlefield")#7 Billboard 200—

Label and Management Projects

Through his imprint London Police (co-founded with Louis Biancaniello in 2010), Watters has developed artists including Matthew Koma and signed talents to major labels. As a manager, he oversaw the release of Lucky Daye's Grammy-winning EP Table for Two (2021), which debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.

Selected singles

Sam Watters, as a founding member and co-writer of the R&B group Color Me Badd, contributed to several breakthrough singles from their 1991 debut album C.M.B., including "I Wanna Sex You Up" and "All 4 Love." "I Wanna Sex You Up," released in March 1991, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming a defining early-1990s R&B hit with its smooth harmonies and sensual lyrics that captured the era's new jack swing sound. The single was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for sales of 2 million units and contributed to the group's rapid rise, selling over 6 million copies worldwide for the album. "All 4 Love," released in November 1991, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in 1992 and reached No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showcasing Watters' vocal and songwriting talents in a romantic ballad that solidified Color Me Badd's pop-R&B crossover appeal. It earned Gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. In his solo production and songwriting career, often collaborating with Louis Biancaniello as the team Biancaniello/Watters, Watters helmed several international hits. For Anastacia's debut single "I'm Outta Love," co-written and co-produced by Watters in 2000, the track peaked at No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 1 in Australia, where it was certified 2× Platinum by ARIA for over 140,000 shipments, marking Anastacia's breakthrough with its raw, bluesy rock-soul energy. It also received Platinum certification in the UK by the BPI. Watters co-wrote and co-produced "I Believe" for American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia, released in June 2004; the inspirational ballad debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling 142,000 copies in its first week and becoming the first Idol winner's single to achieve this feat, while underscoring Watters' knack for crafting empowering anthems. The associated album Free Yourself was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Similarly, Watters co-wrote and co-produced "Love Like This" featuring Sean Kingston for Natasha Bedingfield's 2008 album Pocketful of Sunshine, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Pop Airplay chart, blending pop hooks with reggae influences to drive Bedingfield's U.S. success. The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1 million units.

Influences

Musical influences

Sam Watters' musical style drew significant inspiration from prominent figures in R&B, , and production during the 1970s and 1980s, eras rich with and rhythmic innovation. Key among these was Ronald Bell of , whose funk-driven sound and songwriting prowess influenced Watters' early R&B sensibilities; a pivotal encounter occurred at the ASCAP R&B Awards, where Bell's presence alongside the group sparked creative ideas for blending cultural elements into their music. Similarly, the production duo , renowned for their -pop fusions in works with artists like , provided direct guidance during the same event, suggesting a Spanish adaptation that shaped "" and Watters' techniques for merging pop accessibility with soulful depth. further impacted Watters' production approach, particularly through their collaboration on Color Me Badd's 1996 album Now and Forever, where Walden's expertise in crafting hits for and others instilled a focus on layered R&B arrangements that fused traditional grooves with modern polish. These influences, emblematic of the era's vibrant R&B and scenes, cultivated Watters' foundational interest in harmonious, genre-blending sounds.

Professional inspirations

Sam Watters' entry into the music industry was heavily influenced by his family's musical heritage, as his father was a professional cellist and his mother served as a band teacher, fostering his early interest in performance and composition. A formative professional experience came during his time with , when the group opened for following an impromptu street performance audition, demonstrating the value of persistence and live opportunities in building a career. Watters has highlighted his collaboration with producer on the 1991 hit "" as a key influence on his production style, teaching him the intricacies of crafting commercially successful R&B tracks. Performing alongside at the singer's birthday celebration provided an exhilarating benchmark for vocal delivery and stage presence, which Watters later recalled as an "" that reinforced his commitment to live music. His background vocal work on Billy Joel's 1993 track "All About Soul," including an impromptu phone session with Joel and Christie Brinkley, inspired Watters' approach to blending pop and soul elements in songwriting. Transitioning to production, Watters credits Tommy Mottola, then-chairman of Sony Music, for offering a pivotal deal that launched his work with artists like Jessica Simpson and Anastacia, emphasizing mentorship's role in executive advancement.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sam-watters-mn0000477037
  2. https://www.mzmeriq.com/bio.html
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/color-me-badd-mn0000776371
  4. https://www.grammy.com/awards/34th-annual-grammy-awards
  5. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/dues-paid-anastacia-reapproaches-us-75619/
  6. https://www.grammy.com/awards/50th-annual-grammy-awards
  7. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/executive-turntable-atom-factory-management-msg-round-hill-music-island-5944700/
  8. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/1662
  9. https://www.discogs.com/artist/128742-Sam-Watters
  10. https://www.travelok.com/music-trail/artist/color-me-badd
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  15. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/oklahoman/name/daniel-watters-obituary?id=10232682
  16. https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/life-after-american-idol-tamyra-gray-interview-then-simon-cowell-clay-aiken-adam-lambert/hw2TQPpCjkqOdVUeA6LA2N/
  17. https://www.theroot.com/how-color-me-badd-went-from-1990s-r-b-hitmakers-to-brok-2000070106
  18. https://media.rhino.com/press-release/color-me-badd-cmb-30th-anniversary-expanded-edition-available-digitally-now-rhino
  19. https://www.billboard.com/lists/biggest-hot-100-number-2-hits-of-all-time/
  20. https://celebrityaccess.com/2024/12/18/color-me-badd-signs-with-universal-attractions-agency/
  21. https://www.stereogum.com/2170190/the-number-ones-color-me-badds-i-adore-mi-amor/columns/the-number-ones/
  22. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1992-02-22/
  23. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/136029/all
  24. https://www.colormebadd.com/history
  25. https://wrrv.com/full-line-up-new-york-state-fair-2024/
  26. https://www.ticketmaster.ca/color-me-badd-tickets/artist/996451
  27. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/NOVATO-S-HIT-FACTORY-2661278.php
  28. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/jessica-simpson/i-wanna-love-you-forever
  29. https://genius.com/Celine-dion-i-surrender-lyrics/q/release-date
  30. https://www.billboard.com/lists/american-idol-top-100-hits-of-all-time/
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/1685597-Kelly-Clarkson-All-I-Ever-Wanted
  32. https://dlmediamusic.com/press-releases/available-now-lady-blackbird-black-acid-soul-bmg/
  33. https://alchetron.com/Sam-Watters
  34. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sonyatv-signs-wayne-wilkins-to-worldwide-deal-1302673/
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/2511786-Natasha-Bedingfield-Love-Like-This
  36. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/keri-hilson/energy
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/9286145-Leona-Lewis-Spirit
  38. https://genius.com/Blake-lewis-break-anotha-lyrics
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/7684086-Jordin-Sparks-Battlefield
  40. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Runaways-%28Production-Team%29/
  41. https://www.musicconnection.com/sam-watter-vp-ar-island-records/
  42. https://www.grammy.com/news/2020-grammy-awards-nominations-complete-winners-list
  43. https://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/feature/lucky-daye-lessigreaterkeep-coolrcalessigreater
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBV_4LZJv-o
  45. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-12-ca-5266-story.html
  46. https://www.grammy.com/awards/67th-annual-grammy-awards
  47. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-26-ca-2742-story.html
  48. https://variety.com/2007/film/awards/50th-annual-grammy-awards-nominations-1117977172/
  49. https://www.grammy.com/awards/64th-annual-grammy-awards-2021
  50. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1991/12/18/c-c-badd-top-nominees/e0408c59-1597-4fa5-88ae-42ab97151f7e/
  51. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?title=I+Wanna+Sex+You+Up#search_section
  52. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?title=All+4+Love#search_section
  53. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/anastacia-im-outta-love/
  54. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?title=Free+Yourself#search_section
  55. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?title=Love+Like+This#search_section
  56. https://soulculture.com/color-me-badd-singer-sam-watters-reflects-on-making-debut-album-c-m-b-return-to-the-classics/
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZO4xowVIEQ
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