Elisa Fiorillo

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Elisa Fiorillo-Dease


Idenity

Elisa Fiorillo, currently known as Elisa Dease
Born: 28 February 1969, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Early Life

Her father was a classical pianist and a music professor at Temple University in Philadelphia. Her mother was a singer. Elisa started her career at age 11 when she got her first paying gig (earning $50) singing at a club. In 1983 she won a local television talent show Star Search and ended up on Broadway at the age of fifteen.

Career

In 1987, she was signed to Chrysalis Records. She first performed the song "Jackie" on the Summer School soundtrack and caught the eye of John "Jellybean" Benitez who asked her to be the lead vocalist on two songs on his 1987 album Just Visiting This Planet. One of the song, "Who Found Who", was a hit worldwide reaching the Top 20 in many countries in addition to some club success. At the same time, Fiorillo released her self-titled debut album that she promoted with the help of the pop single "How Can I Forget You" but she did not manage to get the same success.
It's not exactly clear how she got on Prince's radar, likely it was trough The Time as it is on the band's reunion album from 1990 Pandemonium that she first appeared. She can also be heard (on The Time tracks) on Graffiti Bridge. In 1990 she also released her second album I Am, largely written and produced by Prince. The album scored a Top 30 hit in the U.S. and Top 20 in Australia with On The Way Up. Fiorillo also appeared on Diamonds And Pearls as backing vocalist on two songs Daddy Pop and Walk Don't Walk.
After 1990 she mainly did back-up singing. Fiorillo sang back-up for Savage Garden on their Superstars and Cannonballs tour and for Billie Myers among others. As a lead singer, she has appeared on Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, singing "Don't Be Afraid". She also did a duet with Darren Hayes titled "Right Dead Back On It".
As well as singing she has also directed a few TV series, such as the 2001 Mahô shôjo neko Taruto as well as the 2002 TV series Mao Dante. Fiorillo also voiced the English parts of Ayamo Nakamura in the 2003 TV series Stratos 4. She voiced a part in Stella Deus: The Gate of Eternity.
In 2007 Fiorillo released an album entitled Labour Of Love which was available at her website. She turned to her musical direction towards jazz in the 2000s.
After spending almost two decade focusing on other things Elisa returned to Prince's camp in 2009 and is currently touring as his back up singer and featured on the 20Ten album.


Discography & Credits

selective


Personal Life

Fiorillo has three brothers and is married to Michael Dease. Together they have a daughter Olivia.