Roberta Kelly
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Roberta Kelly is an African American singer who scored three hits on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in 1976-1978. Her biggest hit, "Trouble-Maker," spent two weeks at #1 on that chart.
Prior to releases in the US through the Oasis label belonging to Giorgio Moroder, Roberta released a single in the 70's in Germany entitled "Kung Fu Is Back Again", released on Atlantic and produced by legendary writer/producer Pete Belotte.
The album which featured Trouble Maker also included the first known remake of "Love Power", which was later made famous as a part of Luther Vandross' repertoire. The original version of the song was recorded in 1967.
Roberta released three other albums:
"Zodiacs": the controversial album that Casablanca Records during the disco heyday that they refused to release. Imports from Italy swamped the international dancefloors, creating a blockbuster hit in the title track and songs such as "Love Sign". Many feel this album was the warm up to the Moroder/Bellotte team dabbling with retro flavours as the pre-cursor to Donna Summer's "I Remember Yesterday".
"Getting The Spirit", one of the first disco records to be a complete album of gospel songs, which followed Roberta's commitment to becoming a Christian. It has long been rumoured that is was Roberta who led Oasis label-mate Donna Summer to becoming a "born again" Christian as well. This album featured a dance version of "Oh Happy Day", and cult dance track "In My Father's House".
Roberta released another album through Baby Records in Italy thereafter, featuring "Pata Pata" as a single.