Who are you calling "Unsung?"

St. Louis soul songstress Angela Winbush packed them into her concert at the Ambassador Friday night, an evening that also included filming by TV cameras from the TV One program "Unsung," which documents R&B acts who never got their full due.

But by nights' end, Winbush told her fans she was anything but "Unsung," and the crowded concert seemed to prove it.

Known as much for her time spent as one-half of '80s duo Rene & Angela as well as being Ron Isley's wife, Winbush is a force in her own right, as she reminded us during her Ambassador show.

The big-voiced belter delivered a knock-out two-hour performance, mixing up her solo hits with Rene & Angela songs, songs she wrote and produced for the Isley Brothers and for her former husband Isley, and her songs that others turned into hits.

Winbush opened with the Rene & Angela gem "I'll Be Good," which got everyone on their feet, then soothed them over with "Angel." She kept it mostly smooth sailing from there, with "You Don't Have to Cry," "Your Smile," "Lay Your Troubles Down," and "Smooth Sailing," an Isley Brothers song.

She wasn't shy about referencing her marriage to Isley, and spoke candidly about her fight with cancer and how she rebounded, leading into "I Learned to Respect the Power of Love," as moving a ballad as any.

There were times when Winbush let songs go on for just a little long; she loved to take a song and break it on down. But in doing so, she seemed to give each song special attention.

Throughout the night, she talked about how great it was to perform back home, and shouted out high schools, including her own Northwest High School, and even her St. Louis-based nail shop. A number of her former classmates were in attendance, as well as family and friends.

The Ambassador was specially decorated for the event with major embellishments from Production Support Services, with provided additional lighting, staging, and flat screen TVs.

Winbush's "Unsung" is expected to air with the new season of the show in September.

Vocal group LLC opened with an extended set of popular R&B covers.

The concert was part of WFUN-FM 95.5's concert series.

All i want to say is that this women is SO TALENTED....I was there at the concert and she made the reply that her record company made her feel bad about her age saying she was too OLD and NOW @ 55Y/O is looks great and in the best health, her voice was strong and clear, just an overall well put together show. The only peeve i have is that she did'nt play the piano or sing anything from her 3rd self titled Solo Release, so many nuggets she could have sung.

Great review. That girl's a legend.

I've been singing this woman's praises here ever since I joined the org.

Def an exceptional vocalist, its a shame that she hasn't released an album for 16 years!!!! To be fair though, she has been through powerful changes and I'm happy that she's still alive to tell about it.

I'm still hoping that she would though, that's not a singing voice you could just shrug off as "nice". I've seen her live last year and the woman could sit our once praised divas down and let them take notes.

[Edited 7/27/10 13:31pm]

Harlepolis said:

I've been singing this woman's praises here ever since I joined the org.

Def an exceptional vocalist, its a shame that she hasn't released an album for 16 years!!!! To be fair though, she has been through powerful changes and I'm happy that she's still alive to tell about it.

I'm still hoping that she would though, that's not a singing voice you could just shrug off as "nice". I've seen her live last year and the woman could sit our once praised divas down and let them take notes.

[Edited 7/27/10 13:31pm]

Yeah that woman has hit some notes that make you go "that came out of that little thang?" I heard her version of "The Power of Love" and the NOTE she held... OMFG...

Hopefully she's working on new music, music needs her.

"Awesome Talent" is an understatement when describing this woman.

Singer/songwriter/producer she wore each hat amazingly.

I have hoped for so many years that she would release some new music, only to find out the trials she has had to endure was the reason for her being away from music.

I look forward to seeing her episode of unsung, I just hope they do her artistry justice.

Timmy84 said:

Great review. That girl's a legend.

Yep!

She's awesome. I have all her solo cd's.

Harlepolis said:

I've been singing this woman's praises here ever since I joined the org.

Def an exceptional vocalist, its a shame that she hasn't released an album for 16 years!!!! To be fair though, she has been through powerful changes and I'm happy that she's still alive to tell about it.

I'm still hoping that she would though, that's not a singing voice you could just shrug off as "nice". I've seen her live last year and the woman could sit our once praised divas down and let them take notes.

[Edited 7/27/10 13:31pm]

Actually she will be releasing some NEW music and if i'm correct it's called Living Out Loud, don't quote me....But she did say a new album is in the works so i'm keeping my ears open.

I remember seeing her years ago driving down A big street here called Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. My friends friend recognized her, because he use to do her hair. She is an underated talent. Glad she beat cancer & looks great. I saw her on The Monique Show a few months ago.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

I remember seeing her years ago driving down A big street here called Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. My friends friend recognized her, because he use to do her hair. She is an underated talent. Glad she beat cancer & looks great. I saw her on The Monique Show a few months ago.

"This isn't a tape . . ."

Timmy84 said:

Harlepolis said:

I've been singing this woman's praises here ever since I joined the org.

Def an exceptional vocalist, its a shame that she hasn't released an album for 16 years!!!! To be fair though, she has been through powerful changes and I'm happy that she's still alive to tell about it.

I'm still hoping that she would though, that's not a singing voice you could just shrug off as "nice". I've seen her live last year and the woman could sit our once praised divas down and let them take notes.

[Edited 7/27/10 13:31pm]

Yeah that woman has hit some notes that make you go "that came out of that little thang?" I heard her version of "The Power of Love" and the NOTE she held... OMFG...

Hopefully she's working on new music, music needs her.

Absured, ain't it?

I still shake my head everytime I hear her singing that song. When she shouted "Hey Stephanie!" at the end of the song, the back of my head stood up.

Timmy84 said:

Harlepolis said:

I've been singing this woman's praises here ever since I joined the org.

Def an exceptional vocalist, its a shame that she hasn't released an album for 16 years!!!! To be fair though, she has been through powerful changes and I'm happy that she's still alive to tell about it.

I'm still hoping that she would though, that's not a singing voice you could just shrug off as "nice". I've seen her live last year and the woman could sit our once praised divas down and let them take notes.

[Edited 7/27/10 13:31pm]

Yeah that woman has hit some notes that make you go "that came out of that little thang?" I heard her version of "The Power of Love" and the NOTE she held... OMFG...

Hopefully she's working on new music, music needs her.

That song brings back a bad memory for me. Ms. Winbush can sang anything (I'll listen) but that.

TD3 said:

Timmy84 said:

Yeah that woman has hit some notes that make you go "that came out of that little thang?" I heard her version of "The Power of Love" and the NOTE she held... OMFG...

Hopefully she's working on new music, music needs her.

That song brings back a bad memory for me. Ms. Winbush can sang anything (I'll listen) but that.

Ahhh.

TD3 said:

Timmy84 said:

Yeah that woman has hit some notes that make you go "that came out of that little thang?" I heard her version of "The Power of Love" and the NOTE she held... OMFG...

Hopefully she's working on new music, music needs her.

That song brings back a bad memory for me. Ms. Winbush can sang anything (I'll listen) but that.

TD!!!!

Ah, thank your for your empathy, I can laugh about it now but then.