How Kelly Price Went From Background Singer to R&B Superstar With Her Hit Song “Friend of Mine”

#NOLAZINE - Before becoming one of R&B's most powerful voices, Kelly Price spent years singing in the background for some of the biggest names in music. But in 1998, a song about love, heartbreak, and betrayal would change her career forever.

Born in Queens, New York, Price developed her powerful voice singing gospel music in church. She eventually began working as a background vocalist for major artists, including Mariah Carey, and contributed vocals to recordings associated with The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records.

Although millions of people had heard her voice, many didn't know her name.

That changed when she released her debut album, Soul of a Woman, in 1998, featuring the breakthrough single “Friend of Mine.”

The Song About Betrayal That Connected With Millions

“Friend of Mine” told the heartbreaking story of a woman discovering that her husband had been unfaithful with someone she considered a close friend.

The song captured the pain of being betrayed by two people she trusted, making it relatable to listeners who had experienced similar heartbreak.

Price's gospel-influenced vocals brought raw emotion to the record, helping it become one of the most memorable R&B songs of the late 1990s.

The song became an even bigger cultural moment when a remix featuring R. Kelly and Ronald Isley was released. The remix transformed the original story into a dramatic musical conversation, with Ronald Isley portraying his famous Mr. Biggs character.

Its music video added another layer of storytelling, making the collaboration unforgettable for R&B fans.

From Background Singer to Chart-Topping Artist

“Friend of Mine” became a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Her debut album, Soul of a Woman, eventually earned platinum certification, establishing Price as a major solo performer.

Following her breakthrough, she continued building her career with successful recordings and collaborations, including Whitney Houston's “Heartbreak Hotel” alongside Faith Evans.

A Timeless R&B Classic

Nearly three decades later, “Friend of Mine” remains one of Kelly Price's signature records and a favorite among fans of classic 1990s R&B.

The song's emotional storytelling, unforgettable remix, and Price's powerful voice helped transform a former background vocalist into a respected solo star.

Kelly Price's journey proves that sometimes the voice you've been hearing behind the biggest stars is the voice destined to become a star of its own.

NOLAZINE.COM — Preserving the stories behind the music and the legendary R&B hits that shaped generations.