Born Keyshia Myeshia Johnson on October 15, 1981, in Oakland, California, Keyshia Cole's journey to becoming a renowned R&B and soul singer is inspirational. Adopted at the age of two by family friends Leon and Yvonne Cole, Keyshia quickly displayed an early interest in music, recording with MC Hammer at just 12 years old. Despite a challenging upbringing, including her biological mother’s struggles with addiction, Cole’s perseverance led her to Los Angeles at 18, determined to pursue her dream.
Early Life and Background
Keyshia Cole's early accomplishments and challenges significantly shaped her life. She was born into a complex family structure, with significant obstacles including her biological mother Francine "Frankie" Lons' substance addiction issues. Despite these challenges, her adoption by family friends brought a semblance of stability. This stability allowed Cole to foster her innate musical talent, meeting influential figures like Tupac Shakur, who played a mentorship role before his untimely passing.
Her determination led her to Los Angeles, where she collaborated with several Bay Area artists until she was signed by Ron Fair of A&M Records in 2002. This move was pivotal as it marked the beginning of Cole’s successful journey in the music industry.
Career Achievements
Music Success
Keyshia Cole’s debut album, "The Way It Is," released in 2005, was a major breakthrough. Featuring hit singles such as “I Changed My Mind” and the platinum-certified “Love,” the album reached #6 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Platinum. Following the success of her first album, Cole released her second album, "Just Like You," in 2007, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and included popular tracks such as “Let It Go” and “Heaven Sent.”
Continuing her musical journey, Keyshia released several more albums, including "A Different Me" (2008), "Calling All Hearts" (2010), "Woman to Woman" (2012), "Point of No Return" (2014), and "11:11 Reset" (2017). Each album further solidified her presence in the R&B genre. Notably, her single "I Don't Wanna Be in Love" was released in February 2021, following her participation in the Verzuz battle with Ashanti.
Television and Film
Branching into television, Keyshia made significant appearances in reality TV through shows like "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is," which aired on BET from 2006 to 2008. This series gave fans a glimpse into her personal and professional life, earning high ratings and further endearing her to the public. She also appeared in "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First," "Keyshia Cole: All In," and "Keyshia Cole: My New Life."
In addition to her television success, Cole appeared in films such as "How She Move" (2007) and lent her voice to the animated movie "Charming" (2018). She showcased her versatility as an entertainer, broadening her appeal beyond music alone.
She also connected with fans through her music videos and performances on various television platforms, further establishing her presence in the entertainment industry:
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Keyshia Cole has received numerous accolades and nominations, including four Grammy nominations. Her collaborative work with Monica on the song "Trust" earned her a Soul Train Award nomination. These honors underscore her contributions to the music industry and her influence as an artist.
| Album | Release Year | Notable Singles | Billboard 200 Peak | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Way It Is | 2005 | I Changed My Mind, Love | #6 | Platinum |
| Just Like You | 2007 | Let It Go, Heaven Sent | #2 | Platinum |
| A Different Me | 2008 | Playa Cardz Right | #2 | Platinum |
| Calling All Hearts | 2010 | I Ain't Thru | #9 | Gold |
| Woman to Woman | 2012 | Trust and Believe | #10 | Gold |
| Point of No Return | 2014 | Remember (Part 2) | #9 | -- |
| 11:11 Reset | 2017 | You | #37 | -- |
Personal Life
Keyshia's personal life has been as eventful as her professional career. She was engaged to and later married NBA player Daniel Gibson in 2010, with whom she has a son, Daniel Jr. Born on March 2, 2010. The couple ultimately divorced in 2020. She later had a son named Tobias with musician Niko Khale in 2019.
Cole's relationship with her biological parents also marked significant moments in her life. Reuniting with her father Virgil Hunter, a professional boxing trainer, in 2016, Keyshia finally met him after years. Sadly, her mother, Francine "Frankie" Lons, passed away in 2021 due to a drug overdose, a struggle that was well-documented and publicized.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
Beyond music and television, Keyshia Cole has demonstrated her entrepreneurial prowess through various ventures, including a successful apparel store named Rose City Works and a collaboration with Steve Madden for a limited-edition shoe line. Her smart business decisions and investments have significantly contributed to her financial success.
As of now, Keyshia Cole’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million. She owns multiple properties, including a luxurious home in Alpharetta, Georgia, worth about $1.03 million.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Keyshia Cole’s journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career and substantial net worth is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her influence on the R&B genre, through her emotive singing and storytelling, has earned her a lasting place in the music industry. With her plans to retire from music announced in March 2021, Keyshia's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike.
Her contributions to music, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and media presence, exemplify a multifaceted career that has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
