Canela (pronounced Kuh-NAY-luh) is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She is best known in the mixtape circuit for her DJ Clue-remixed song, "Sponsor", and for co-writing Anastacia's worldwide top 20 hit, "Why'd You Lie to Me". She once recorded an album in 2001, however it was shelved after her label folded.
Canela Cox was born in Los Angeles, California. She moved to Amsterdam (Holland, Europe) at the age of 14 where her mother, a former Diana Ross' background vocalist, Rocq-E Harrell performed as an R&B singer and recording artist. Upon moving back to the United States at age 18, Canela continued to pursue her musical endeavors performing with numerous musical groups throughout Los Angeles.
In 2000, Canela was featured on Jennifer Lopez's multi-plantinum selling single, "Love Don't Cost a Thing". Though Canela was uncredited for her work on Lopez's song, she performed as Lopez's background vocalist for numerous tours and new songs. While performing with Lopez at a Los Angeles concert, her talent was recognized by Rodney Jerkins, who brought her to DreamWorks Records' attention, and was immediately signed to the label in 2001.
Canela, meaning Cinnamon (or shin) in Portuguese and Spanish, is a town located in the Serra Gaúcha of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Both Canela and neighboring Gramado are important tourist resorts and they both draw many visitors each year. Ecotourism is very popular in the area and there are many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and river rafting.
The main tourist attraction in Canela is the Parque do Caracol, the Cathedral of Stone, and Caracol Falls (Cascata do Caracol). Like sister town Gramado, Canela is a large tourist draw during the winter, where snowfall can occur, and during the Christmas holiday and the local town council deck Canela with lights and other festive decorations.
Canela is part of the Rota Romântica or Romantic Route, a scenic bypass.
An imitation of the Montparnasse derailment has been built outside the Mundo a Vapor ("Steam World") museum theme park in the city.