Tenita Jordan

Tenita Jordan-Dreher (October 8, 1960 – September 23, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. In 1981, she portrayed one of the Stepp Sisters in the original Broadway musical production of Dreamgirls. She later formed a post disco group called Raw Silk. The group had a US Top 5 dance song called "Do It to the Music". In 1986, she released her solo album Tenita on Teddy Pendergrass' record label Top Priority Records.

Early life Tenita Lavern Jordan was born in Monroe, North Carolina, on October 8, 1960. She later attended Hampton University but left in 1978 to pursue a career on Broadway.

Career 1978–1982: Beginnings and Broadway In June 1978, she debuted in the Broadway production of The Wiz, she portrayed one of the Munchkins and one of the Field Mice. In December 1979, she appeared as one of the performers in Eubie!. The group comprised Jordan, Jessica Cleaves, and Sybil Thomas. Raw Silk was signed to West End Records and debuted in late 1982 with the release of their single "Do It to the Music". The song peaked in the Top 40 on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and number 5 on the Hot Dance/Disco Club Play chart. "Do It to the Music" also peaked in the Top 20 on the UK Singles chart, inviting the group to perform on Top of the Pops in October 1982.

In 1983, the group followed up with the release of their second single "Just in Time". While the song was commercially less successful than its predecessor, "Just in Time" peaked in the Top 40 on the US Dance chart and at number 49 on the UK Singles chart. In 1986, Jordan released her debut solo album Tenita. The album's lead single, "I Don't Wanna Think About It", peaked at number 41 on US Dance chart and number 89 on the US Hot Black Singles chart. She followed up with the release of two more singles "You Got Me Dreamin'" and "Free Me". After Pendergrass left Asylum Records, his own record label became defunct, leaving Jordan without a record deal. Jordan continued to record with Pendergrass on his next album Joy (1988).

1998–2005: Later career After a hiatus, Jordan continued her work as a session singer. She worked with Lenny Kravitz on his 5 album in 1998. In 1999, she contributed background vocals to Angie Stone's albums Black Diamond (1999) and Mahogany Soul (2001). Tenita Jordan died on September 23, 2018. The couple had a daughter Jhena Ruth Nightengale in 1987.

Discography Albums Tenita (1986)

Singles YearSong Peak chart positionsAlbumUS R&BUS Dance1985 "I Don't Wanna Think About It" 41 89 Tenita "You Got Me Dreamin'" – – 1986 "Free Again" – –