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.
