Brenda Joy Kaplan (born October 14, 1966), known professionally as Brenda K. Starr, is an American singer and songwriter.
She originally gained recognition in R&B, dance, and pop music but is now primarily known for her work in salsa-based music. Starr is also well known for her contributions to 1980s freestyle music, which helped shape her early career.
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Table of Contents
Brenda K Starr Net Worth
Brenda K. Starr has a net worth of $2 million. She was born on October 15, 1966, in New York. To rejuvenate her career, Starr learned Spanish and successfully reinvented herself as a salsa, tropical, and Latin pop artist.
Her cover of “Herida,” originally by Chilean singer Myriam Hernández, peaked at No. 14 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart and reached No. 1 on the Latin Tropical/Salsa Airplay chart. She followed this with several popular albums and chart hits.
Early Life
Brenda K. Starr was born Brenda Joy Kaplan to Jewish American organist Harvey Kaplan (also known as Harvey Kaye of the 1960s band The Spiral Starecase) and a Puerto Rican mother who was Catholic.
Career
In the early 1980s, a chance meeting with Harry Belafonte helped Brenda K. Starr land a role in his 1984 hip hop film, Beat Street, where she appeared as herself singing at an open-mic audition.
This exposure led to a recording contract with Mirage Records through Arthur Baker, who brought in producers Lotti Golden and Richard Scher and Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers to complete her debut album, I Want Your Love. The lead single, “Pickin’ Up Pieces,” written by Baker and Golden, became a club hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and Dance Singles Sales charts, and No. 83 on the R&B Hip Hop Billboard charts.
Personal life
Brenda K. Starr is married to Chris Petrone and has three daughters and one son. Her two eldest daughters, Kayla Festa and Tori Festa, are from a previous relationship with Joao (John) Festa, a Brazilian-born New Jersey native.
Her current husband, Chris Petrone, is the father of her other two children: Chris Petrone Jr. and Gianna Isabella, who was a Top 10 finalist on American Idol Season 15 in 2016.
What Ethnicity is Brenda?
Brenda K. Starr’s name originates from Old Nordic, meaning both torch and sword. However, her diverse background, coupled with her embrace of Latin music, underscores her universal appeal and the wide-ranging influences in her music.
Conclusion
Brenda K. Starr’s net worth of $2 million encapsulates a career that has not only withstood the test of time but has also thrived across musical genres. Her journey from a pop music icon to a celebrated Latin artist is a compelling narrative of adaptation, perseverance, and musical innovation.
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FAQs about Brenda K Starr
- What hit song is Brenda K. Starr best known for?
- Brenda K. Starr is best known for her 1987 hit single “I Still Believe,” which has become an enduring classic in her discography.
- Has Brenda K. Starr won any awards for her music?
- Yes, Brenda K. Starr has received Latin Grammy nominations and won a Billboard Latin Music Award, highlighting her success in the Latin music genre.
- Did Brenda K. Starr mentor any famous artists?
- Yes, Mariah Carey, who covered Starr’s “I Still Believe,” credits Brenda as an early mentor in her career.
- What languages does Brenda K. Starr perform in?
- While initially performing in English, Brenda K. Starr later transitioned to Spanish-language music, showcasing her linguistic versatility and commitment to her craft.
- How did Brenda K. Starr transition to Latin music?
- Starr re-invented herself as a Spanish-language pop star, learning Spanish and embracing Latin rhythms and themes, which resonated well with Latin Pop charts and earned her critical acclaim.
