Perri "Pebbles" Reid

Perri Reid (born Perri Arlette McKissack), best known by her former stage name, Pebbles, is an American dance-pop and urban contemporary singer-songwriter. She created the contemporary R&B group TLC. She is currently an Atlanta-based minister, known as "Sister Perri".

Early life

Reid was born Perri Arnette McKissack on August 29, 1964, one of four siblings. Her divorced mother raised her family on the income of a waitress and housekeeper. By age 16, a local musician gave her a production deal which fell through several months later when she got pregnant with her daughter, Ashley. Pebbles married the baby's father but the union only lasted one year.

Early career

Pebbles got her start in 1981 as a backing vocalist for the percussionist/band leader Bill Summers and the funk band Con Funk Shun. Reid co-wrote one of Con Funk Shun's singles, "Body Lovers".

While working at an Oakland, California real estate office she met contractor George L. Smith. Smith bankrolled Pebbles with $80,000 for a demo tape and video for "Mercedes Boy". The demo and video led to a contract with MCA. Smith and Pebbles married in 1985 and made their home in San Francisco. She recorded several hit singles on her own during the late 1980s and early 1990s (including "Girlfriend" (a UK #8 single in 1988) and "Mercedes Boy").