Born and raised on a West London council estate. Heather battled with shyness and a profound desire to sing from her early age. Captivated by gospel music's inspirational elements and influencedby '70s reggae and soul, she joined her first group, the blues and soul-tinged band 'HotHouse' while still in her teens. Although their potential was never fully realised, Heather had a fortuitous meeting with Mike Pickering, a DJ @ Manchester's famed Hacienda nightclub. After hearing Heather's unique voice he persuaded her to collaborate with a group he'd just formed. A group called M People. A group that would go on to sell over 10 million records world-wide.
She is launching her solo career with the single, "Proud". "Proud" is the title track taken from Heather's forthcoming solo album due to release this summer (2000). "Proud", the single, was co-written by Heather & Peter Vettese and produced by Peter Vettese (who has also worked with the Bee Gees amongst others).
Heather's distinctive voice confirms what a jewel she is in the UK's crown of contemporary singers. Heather's statuesque vocals have become synonymous with the sound of M-People. In their decade together the dance/soul/pop group sold in excess of 5 millions records. Heathers co-wrote all the tracks on the album. Other album tracks were co-written & produced by Simon Climie (known for his work with the Honeyz, George Michael & Aretha Franklin).
Heather Small is quick to assure that M People have not split up. She said "We played and created collectively, but I came to realise there were certain experiences I went through as a women - growing from a shy teenager, becoming a mother - that didn't include the band. I thought, 'maybe I could find a way of expressing this myself".
Singer/Songwriter Heather Small, who recently embarked on a critically acclaimed UK solo tour will perform and headline at "Pride in the Park" (www.prideinthepark.com), London's annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender festival, in Hyde Park on the main stage at 9.25pm on 26th July.
Over 60,000 people will be attending the festival, party goers will be treated to a fantastic day bursting with great activiites including the Cabaret Tent, Sports Arena, Community Village, Market Place and an array of quality food & beverage venues.
