Babyface

How it started.

Kenny Edmonds grew up in Indianapolis and began writing songs at 12. After high school he joined Manchild and signed his first record deal. In the 1980s he became a guitarist and songwriter in The Deele, where he worked with L.A. Reid.

Finding his own voice.

Tender Lover brought his solo career to a wider audience in 1989, with songs including Whip Appeal and the title track. For the Cool in You followed in 1993, then The Day in 1996. All three became multiplatinum albums.

The songs behind other voices.

His writing and production partnership with Reid led to hits for the Whispers, Pebbles and Bobby Brown. They founded LaFace in 1989. Babyface also helped shape Boyz II Men’s End of the Road and I’ll Make Love to You, Madonna’s Take a Bow and the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack.