Menu
Kelly Price

Early Life and Family Background

Kelly Price was born on April 4, 1973, in New York City. She was raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, where her musical talents emerged at an early age. As a toddler, she began singing in church, influenced by her family's strong religious and musical background. Her mother served as the musical director at their local church, and her grandfather was a bishop and pastor in the Church of God in Christ, based in Queens. He also served as a Jurisdictional Prelate for the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Barbados. Price's rich, soulful voice earned her the nickname “Little Mahalia Jackson,” in homage to the legendary gospel singer. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just nine years old.

Related Biography: Avery Johnson

Early Career and Breakthrough

In 1992, Kelly Price received her first significant professional opportunity singing with George Michael at Madison Square Garden. Her dedication and work ethic quickly stood out. During a rehearsal break for the Grammy Awards, she continued practicing—an effort that led to her introduction to Tommy Mottola, then CEO of Sony Music and husband of Mariah Carey. This encounter paved the way for her career as a backing vocalist.

Price gained prominence by contributing background vocals to several Mariah Carey songs and videos, including “Fantasy.” She also lent her voice to hits such as "Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. and worked alongside legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Faith Evans, and R. Kelly.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 3 Apr, 1973
Age: 47 yrs
Occupations: Singer
Singer-songwriter
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: Queens
Gender: Female
Description: American songwriter, singer
Net Worth 2021: 2.5 million
Help us Edit this article and get a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift card.
Last Modified: Sep 24 2025
You may also like