- Rosie Vela
Roseanne "Rosie" Vela (b. 1954Fact|date=October 2008 in
Galveston ,Texas ) is an American model and singer/songwriter.Vela's family later moved to Arkansas, where she attended the
University of Arkansas . [http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/vela_rosie/bio.jhtml] [http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,505419,00.html] Whilst studying art and music, Vela also began modelling. She marriedArkansas musician, Jimmy Roberts, but he died of cancer shortly after. Following this, Vela moved to New York where her modelling career took off and she graced the covers of various magazines from the 1970s onwards, and has appeared in numerous television commercials.Turning her attention to music, Vela built a home recording studio for herself and signed a recording contract with
A&M Records . She released her debut album, "Zazu", in 1986. [http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/vela_rosie/bio.jhtml] The entire album was written or co-written by Vela herself, and was produced byGary Katz . It is also notable for the fact that it included contributions from bothDonald Fagan andWalter Becker (two of Vela's musical heroes) - five years after they had disbanded their groupSteely Dan . [http://www.broberg.pp.se/rv_zazu.htm] Though the album went largely unnoticed in the US, it fared better in Europe and a single from the album, "Magic Smile", was a top 30 hit in the UK. The album itself peaked at no.18 in the UK and was certified "Silver" by the BPI in March 1987 [http://www.bpi.co.uk] . Further singles, "Interlude" and "Fool's Paradise" met with less success.Following "Zazu", Vela did not released any further recordings, but has since become a backing singer for other artists including ELO on their 2001 album Zoom. Vela also toured with the band, and was (for a time) in a relationship with ELO frontman
Jeff Lynne .Vela has also appeared in several films, including "
Heaven's Gate ", "The Two Jakes ", and starring in "Inside Edge" oppositeMichael Madsen .ee also
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Zoom Tour Live
*One-hit wonders in the UK References
External links
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* [http://zazu.zzzimbob.com/zazubio.html Magic Smile - A Tribute to Rosie Vela]
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