Rhona Bennett

Rhona Lynn Bennett, (born May 10, 1976 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer, actress and model. Rhona Bennett, Rhona L. Bennett, was raised in Calumet Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.She joined American R&B super-group En Vogue in 2003 and is a member to present date. Bennett is also known as "Ms. R&B". Her castmates of MMC often called her the queen of ballads. Her professional career dates back 20 years so far. Rhona started out doing voice overs and industrial films; then moved into professional theatre and television. Rhona's 1st big break came from the inspiring Oprah Winfrey on ABC's TV series "The Women of Brewster's Place". Before joining the legendary R&B group En Vogue Rhona was part of the Disney Channel's variety show "The New Mickey Mouse Club", and became very good friends with N'Sync's JC Chasez. Then Rhona was off to Hollywood, California.

Career

Rhona became a mouseketeer with the Disney Corporation alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling and Justin Timberlake to name a few. This experience allowed Rhona to travel the world. With Disney, Bennett danced via music video's and live choreographed performances. The "MMC" as they are noted honed singing skills via recording sessions and live concerts. Rhona was also apart of an elite few (MMC) chosen to record and album with Walt Disney Records. In 1992, Rhona alongside fellow MMC castmates performed at the Presidential Inaugural Celebration.

Rhona was also apart of a spin off dramedy 'Emerald Cove' on the Disney Channel that was shot in film. The extensive media training in which she learned constructive interviewing and protecting the Disney Brand has been a solid foundation and in turn the fan base from the brand has been solid and long standing. After the show Bennett's move to California to continue her career as an actress landed her several shows including successful series such as "Living Single" with Queen Latifah and "Martin" with Martin Lawrence. She also garnered a regular series role in the mid-1990s where she played Loquatia on the wacky UPN sitcom "Homeboys in Outer Space". Her most famous work was Nicole Evans singing jingles 'plaaaaain whiiite rice' on "The Jamie Foxx Show" with Jamie Foxx. On to movie roles in film's such as "No Vacancy" (1999) with Christina Ricci and Lolita Davidodich, and "Malibu's Most Wanted (2003)with Jamie Kennedy.

Later, Rhona signed with super-producer Rodney DarkchildJerkins as 1st lady of Darkchild. The self-titled debut was released under his Darkchild Records imprint. The album recorded under the name "Rhona" for Sony in 2001. The album was produced entirely by the Darkchild Imprint. The first single "Satisfied" did well on the London Charts (#4), European MTV and shipped gold to Japan. Rhona traveled the world including Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Japan promoting her solo album. Rhona did exceptional on tour. The single "Satisfied" became a U.S. Hot Dance Club Play in 2001. The album was released overseas however, and is now categorized as a collector's item. [ [http://www.mediawars.ne.jp/~mundo/collect/file/rhona.html] "Mediawars.ne.jp" Retrieved on 05-11-07]

Back in the U.S. Rhona landed leading lady in the stage play "Men Cry In The Dark" (2002) opposite Allen Payne and Richard Roundtree based on the popular Michael Baisden novel (Michael Baisden show radio host and Baisden After Dark on TV One) produced by "I'm Ready Productions". The show was so successful by popular demand that the play went on a national tour in (2005) and is now on DVD and sold in nationwide and online stores.

In the music world in 2003, Rhona joined the legendary group En Vogue. They toured Europe performing in "Night Of The Proms" (2003) in Antwerpen, Belgium; Rotterdam, Holland and several cities in Germany. Then Rhona released "Soulflower" (2004) with En Vogue. En Vogue (with Rhona) performed at the Lifetime Channel "Women Rock" concert with Kelly Clarkson (2004) to raise awareness for cancer. En Vogue (with Rhona) did "The Colors Of Chritmas Tour" with James Ingram, Peabo Bryson and Marilyn Mc Coo (2004). In October of (2006) En Vogue (with Rhona) were asked to perform at the 1st Annual "THISDAY Music Festival" to commemorate Nigeria's Independence anniversary celebration in Lagos, Nigeria. Beyonce headlined the event and the group performed with the likes of Jay Z, Ciara, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and several African artist.She performed on three separate tours in several cities of Japan with En Vogue at "The Blue Note"(2005), "The Cotton Club"(2006) and "Billboard Live" recently in February (2008). En Vogue teamed up with Belgium superstar Natalia to record the song "Glamorous" where Rhona's vocals are featured. The single hit the #2 spot on the Belgium charts. Later the opportunity formed "Natalia Meets En Vogue" together with Shaggy performing several shows at The Sportpaleis in January (2008).Arriving in the states En Vogue (with Rhona) was off to the south for a concert at Chastain Park Amphitheater performing with Frankie Beverly, Maze and Johnny Gill in June (2008). Then off to Chicago July 11,(2008) where En Vogue (with Rhona) performed with Morris Day and The Time. Rhona was off to Dallas performing at the American Airlines Center on July 27,(2008) under her Ms. R&B title. She sang solo from her upcoming album, hosted, and helped to raise funds for a new charity for the homeless. Rhona met back with her group members to perform at the "American Music Festival" August 29, 2008 with Morris Day and The Time and Bel, Biv, Devoe on Virgina Beach in Virginia.

You can catch En Vogue (with Rhona) performing at Disney World this coming October (2008).

Rhona is now working on her solo album.

References

External links

* [http://www.therhonabennettfanclub.com The Rhona Bennett Fan Club]
* [http://rhonadiva.skyblog.com Rhona Diva]