Kelis

Kelis (born Kelis Rogers, August 21, 1980) is an American singer and songwriter.

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Kelis was born in the Harlem section of Manhattan, New York City. Her father, Kenneth, was a jazz musician and a Pentecostal minister; her mother, Eveliss, was a fashion designer. "Kelis" is a combination of her African American father's and Chinese/Puerto Rican mother's names.

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As a child, she sang in church choirs and played violin, piano, and saxophone while attending a private school. At age thirteen, she left home because her parents couldn't handle her anymore. She remained in school where she formed the R&B trio BLU (Black Ladies United). After graduation, she formed a band with the Neptunes and, with their support, landed herself a record deal.

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