CeCe Peniston

CeCe Peniston (born Cecilia Veronica Peniston on September 6, 1969, in Dayton, Ohio) is an iconic American singer, songwriter, actress, and former beauty queen best known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping dance hits of the early 1990s.

Raised primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, CeCe began singing in church, performing in local theater, and learning piano at an early age. She was crowned Miss Black Arizona in 1989 and Miss Galaxy in 1990. Her breakthrough came with the release of her 1991 hit single “Finally,” which became an international success, reaching the top 10 on various charts and becoming a defining anthem of the era.

Following “Finally,” CeCe released a string of hit singles, including “We Got a Love Thang” and “Keep On Walkin’,” which also climbed to the top of the dance charts. Her debut album Finally sold over three million copies worldwide and solidified her as one of the most successful female dance artists of her time.

CeCe has performed for major events and audiences, including a private birthday celebration for Aretha Franklin, a Vatican performance for Pope John Paul II, and both inaugurations of President Bill Clinton. She was also one of the first non-South African female artists to perform in the country following the end of apartheid.

Throughout her career, CeCe has received numerous accolades, including awards from ASCAP, BMI, Billboard, and VH1. In 2016, she was recognized as one of Billboard’s Top 100 Dance Club Artists of All Time.

Today, CeCe Peniston continues to perform, release music, and inspire audiences around the world. She is also actively involved in charitable efforts and supports youth and the arts through mentorship and advocacy. Her lasting impact on the music industry and her continued dedication to performance make her a true icon of dance and pop music.