We all remember Ms. Cheryl Pepsii Riley from her 1988 ballad, “Thanks for My Child.” It’s one of those songs that most women loved and men, sorta hated, but it was a hit back in the late eighties. Well if you haven’t been following Ms. Riley, we here to update you on what this songbird has been doing.

First of all, when we say, “Black Don’t Crack”, (referring to African Americans who usually don’t wrinkle quickly or show “age” as much as others), well Cheryl Pepsii Riley would be an example of that! Check out 47 year old Cheryl Pepsii now, (yes she was only about 19 when she recorded “Thanks For My Child”), and see what she’s doing now!

As well as recording new music, Riley has starred in Tyler Perry’s stage plays including; Madea’s Class Reunion (2003) and Why Did I Get Married? (2006).

Cheryl Pepsii Riley has been hosting an event, “Black Velvet Monday Experience”. It’s an open-mic event that has been running for over 8 years in New York City. Her goal is to have a place for younger singers and musicians and for those that are a bit older and couldn’t find the space to express themselves with their gift of song or musicianship. It’s a place for aspiring vocalist and musicians to come out and “own their gift”! Their motto: Trust Your Gift!

 

An Old School Fun Fact: Riley still had her nurse’s job when the song went to number one on the R&B chart!