Cheryl Pepsii Riley
- Actress
- Composer
- Music Department
Before Cheryl Pepsii Riley got her start in the music industry, she was
a regular woman working the typical 9-5. She was an LPN (Licensed
Practical Nurse) working with handicapped children. She received her
nursing license from Clara Barton High School. While working, Cheryl
was in a local group called Stargaze. On the weekends, Cheryl would
sing at night clubs and do community theater to showcase her gift.
Cheryl eventually caught up with Full Force, who was also a local group
in Brooklyn, NY. Bowlegged Lou from Full Force came to her with the
song "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and Cheryl refused, and the song was
given to Lisa Lisa and the song was a smash. Lou called her up with the
song on the radio and simply said, "This could have been you!" Cheryl
thought she had missed her big break. Later, Lou came back to her and
was able to get her her first deal at Sony Records. Lou got the
incentive to write "Thanks For My Child" after his ex-wife had a
miscarriage. They never really told that to the press at the time, but
that was the deal. Cheryl recorded "Thanks For My Child" and the song
went number one! In this midst of all this, Cheryl was still working at
her job with handicapped kids. Because of the recording climate
industry, Lou and Gary Reeves got Cheryl into her first stage play
called "Momma Don't". Lou actually negotiated her first stage contract
with her director, Michael Matthews. After that, Cheryl took those
wings and flew on her own. Cheryl has been in numerous plays to date,
including Tyler Perry's Madea's Class Reunion, Madea Goes To Jail, Why
Did I Get Married, The Marriage Counselor, Madea's Big Happy Family,
And Laugh To Keep From Crying. This humble and spiritual woman
continues to perfect her craft and showcase her gifts with a powerful
message that speaks not only to you, but through you. So, when you
speak of personality, quality, sincerity, and most definitely,
consistency, the woman that must come to mind is none other than Cheryl
Pepsii Riley.