# Sade Adu > British singer **Wikidata**: [Q194187](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194187) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sade_(singer)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sade-adu ## Summary Sade Adu is a British singer known for her contributions to soul, jazz, and funk music. She gained international recognition for her powerful vocals and innovative sound, blending genres to create a distinctive musical style. Adu is notable for her work as a singer-songwriter and composer, with notable tracks like "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King." ## Biography - Born: September 16, 1959, in London, United Kingdom - Nationality: British - Education: Attended Saint Martin's School of Art and Central Saint Martins - Known for: Pioneering soul and jazz fusion, blending funk, R&B, and cool jazz influences - Employer(s): Independent artist, signed to Epic Records - Field(s): Music, songwriting, performance ## Contributions Sade Adu's contributions to music include: - **Albums**: Released *Diamond Life* (1984) and *Stronger Than Pride* (1988), which became influential in soul and jazz fusion. - **Songs**: Wrote and performed iconic tracks like "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King," and "By Your Side," which became anthems of 1980s soul music. - **Genre Innovation**: Blended soul, jazz, funk, and R&B, creating a unique sound that influenced contemporary music. - **Legacy**: Established herself as a key figure in the soul and jazz revival of the 1980s, inspiring artists across multiple genres. ## FAQs **What genres did Sade Adu perform in?** Sade Adu performed in soul, jazz, funk, and R&B. Her music blended these genres, creating a distinctive and influential sound. **Which record labels was Sade Adu signed to?** Sade Adu was signed to Epic Records, a major American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment. **What are some of Sade Adu's most famous songs?** Some of Sade Adu's most famous songs include "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King," "By Your Side," and "The Sweetest Taboo." These tracks became anthems of 1980s soul and R&B music. **What awards did Sade Adu receive?** Sade Adu received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985. She was also awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013. **What was Sade Adu's educational background?** Sade Adu attended Saint Martin's School of Art and Central Saint Martins, where she developed her musical talents and artistic skills. ## Why They Matter Sade Adu matters as a pioneering force in contemporary soul and jazz music. Her innovative blend of funk, R&B, and cool jazz influences redefined modern soul, inspiring a new generation of musicians. Albums like *Diamond Life* and *Stronger Than Pride* became cultural touchstones, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Adu's powerful voice and emotional delivery made her a global icon, influencing artists across multiple genres. Her work helped redefine the sound of soul and jazz in the 1980s, shaping the musical landscape for decades to come. ## Notable For - Winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985 - Pioneering soul and jazz fusion music - Blending funk, R&B, and cool jazz influences in her music - Releasing *Diamond Life*, one of the most influential soul albums of the 1980s - Influencing contemporary soul and R&B artists - Becoming a cultural icon with her powerful voice and emotional delivery ## Body ### Early Life and Education Sade Adu was born on September 16, 1959, in London, United Kingdom. She attended Saint Martin's School of Art and Central Saint Martins, where she developed her musical talents and artistic skills. ### Musical Career and Breakthrough Sade Adu began her career in the late 1970s, releasing her debut album *Diamond Life* in 1984. The album received critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the music industry. Her second album, *Stronger Than Pride* (1988), became a global phenomenon, earning her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. ### Genre Innovation and Influence Sade Adu's music blended soul, jazz, funk, and R&B. She pioneered soul and jazz fusion, creating a unique sound that influenced contemporary music. Tracks like "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King," and "By Your Side" became anthems of 1980s soul and R&B. ### Record Labels and Legacy Sade Adu was signed to Epic Records, a major American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment. The label helped promote her music and expand her reach globally. Her work continued to influence artists across multiple genres, ensuring her lasting impact on the industry. ### Awards and Recognition Sade Adu received the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1985. She was also awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013. Her influence extended beyond commercial success, shaping the sound of contemporary soul and R&B music. ### Cultural Impact and Legacy Sade Adu's powerful voice and emotional delivery made her a global icon. Her work helped redefine the sound of soul and jazz in the 1980s, cementing her legacy as one of the most significant figures in music history. Her music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres, ensuring her lasting impact on the industry. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. datos.bne.es 3. Montreux Jazz Festival Database 4. The London Gazette 56430 5. The London Gazette 61962 6. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm) 7. International Standard Name Identifier 8. MusicBrainz 9. BnF authorities 10. [Source](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/why-sade-vowed-to-leave-and-never-return-to-jamaica.html/) 11. [Source](https://elpais.com/icon/2024-06-02/el-enigma-sade-seis-discos-en-40-anos-y-una-turbulenta-epoca-en-madrid.html) 12. IMDb 13. SNAC 14. Discogs 15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 16. Munzinger Personen 17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 18. [Montreux Jazz Festival Database](https://database.montreuxjazz.com/concerts-database) 19. Virtual International Authority File 20. BBC Things 21. ISWC Network 22. [Source](http://www.sade.com) 23. Carnegie Hall linked open data 24. The Movie Database 25. [Source](https://www.grammy.com/artists/sade-adu/1247) 26. YouTube API 27. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-p0088058-Sade-1959)