Legends of Music: Angela Bofill

What? You haven't heard of Angela Bofill? Well, she is nothing short of amazing with a voice so powerful it can knock you out! Angela Bofill (born on May 2, 1954 in The Bronx) is an American R&B contralto vocalist and songwriter. Angela Bofill was born to a Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother. She performed with Ricardo Morrero & the Group and Dance Theater of Harlem chorus prior to her 1978 debut album, Angie. She scored several dance hits such as "Angel Of The Night," "Something About You," "Holding Out For Love," and "Too Tough." However, she is probably best known for her ballad "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" and her signature tune, "I Try". In the early 1980s, she recorded You're A Special Part Of Me, a duet with romantic balladeer Johnny Mathis. Her 1983 album "Teaser" featured the Top 10 R&B chart hit "I'm On Your Side," which also became a hit for Jennifer Holliday in 1991. Bofill is one of the first Latina musicians to find success in the R&B market. According to her manager, Rich Engel, Angela Bofill suffered a stroke on January 10, 2006 and was subsequently paralyzed on her left side. Bofill convalesced at Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA. She was released from intensive care on January 15 and required speech and physical therapy. Because Ms. Bofill did not have health insurance, a benefit concert was organized to pay her hospital bills. The show, planned by Engel along with NY radio stations Kiss FM and CD 101.9, was held on March 11 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ. According to her website www.AngelaBofill.com, Ms. Bofill suffered another massive stroke on July 10, 2007. Her condition at this time is stable. Because Angela has been receiving daily therapy, her mobility, and speech have improved dramatically. Tracks from her live album, Live From Manila, are now available to download on CD Baby www.cdbaby.com