Kelly Rowland (b. 1981)

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Biography

Kelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups. During the group's three-year hiatus, Rowland released her debut solo album, Simply Deep (2002), which appeared at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and sold over five million copies worldwide. It included the Billboard Hot 100 number 1 single "Dilemma", as well as the UK hits "Stole" and "Can't Nobody". Rowland also ventured into acting with starring roles in Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and The Seat Filler (2005).

In Their Own Words (1)

I wanted to see how I would react. I didn’t think I would actually get through my fear as fast as I did. But was I scared of meeting Robert in makeup? No... well, yes, I’m lying. I don’t want to admit it because I’m 22 years old, and that’s ridiculous. But I was scared for about a year after I saw one of Freddy’s films when I was 7. I wasn’t supposed to be up, but I snuck behind my brother’s chair. And right as I got to the chair, Freddy’s face popped up. I had to go sleep with my mom. And when I say sleep with her, I was probably on top of her.

It's Kelly Rowland vs. Freddy and Jason! (August 14, 2003) , 2003

Timeline

The story of Kelly Rowland, told in moments.

1981 Birth

Born Kelendria Trene Rowland in Atlanta, Georgia. Her mother left an abusive relationship and moved the family to Houston. Mathew Knowles took Kelly in. She grew up alongside Beyonce.

Did growing up alongside Beyonce feel like sisterhood or competition? What did Mathew Knowles taking you in mean for your life? Was Atlanta or Houston more like home?

1997 Event

Destiny's Child released their debut album. "No, No, No" went platinum. The group became the best-selling female group of all time with over 60 million records sold.

What does being part of the best-selling female group feel like? Did 'No, No, No' going platinum feel like the beginning? Was Destiny's Child three equal parts or something else?

2002 Event

Released "Dilemma" with Nelly. It spent ten weeks at number one. Her solo career found its footing between R&B balladry and dance music.

Did 'Dilemma' at number one for ten weeks prove you could stand alone? Was finding your solo footing harder than expected? How do you balance R&B balladry with dance music?

2013 Life

Published a memoir about growing up in Beyonce's shadow. Spoke openly about depression and comparison. Became a judge on The X Factor UK and The Voice Australia.

Was writing about Beyonce's shadow an act of courage? Did speaking openly about depression help you heal? What did judging on The Voice teach you about talent?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Kelly Rowland's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.