A recent episode of The Kardashians saw Kim Kardashian and her family put their sleeves up to record a Christmas album as a family to mark the holidays.
They were seen taking singing lessons around a piano together before Kim sneaks off to make a phone call to Babyface, to ask him if he would secretly help her produce a Christmas song.
She says: “So we’re recording a Christmas album. They’re making us do some singing lessons and I’m dying here, like so embarrassed. Mortified.”
The reality star went on to ask: “But how funny would it be if I just tell everyone, ‘I’m too shy, I can’t do it, I’ll figure it out...’
“And I’ll get on a song and then you produce it and I’ll sound amazing?” What song do you think I should do?”
The episode left many wondering who Babyface is. Here is everything we know about the iconic singer and producer.
Who is Babyface?
Babyface, whose real name is Kenneth Brian Edmonds, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who has won 12 Grammy awards.
The Indianapolis native, 64, grew up using songwriting as an outlet for his emotions. Later, he met funk performer Bootsy Collins, who nicknamed him Babyface as a nod to his youthful appearance.
He had a number of gigs before he launched his solo career. He played the guitar for the group Manchild, he was a keyboard player and guitarist for the Deele, and write the song Slow Jam for Midnight Star.
In 1986, Babyface released his debut album Lovers while taking a break from his band The Deele. Shortly after, in 1988, the star left the band and, a year later, he released his second studio album, Tender Lover.
His consequent solo albums were For the Cool in You (1993), The Day (1996), Face2Face (2001), Grown & Sexy (2005), Playlist (2007), Return of the Tender Lover (2015), and Girls Night Out (2022).
He also collaborated with fellow Grammy winner Toni Braxton in 2014 to release the album Love, Marriage & Divorce, which won Best R&B Album at the 57th Grammy Awards.
The star has also made his presence known in the movie industry. Not only has he appeared in the likes of Beverly Hills 90210 and Whitney, but he has started his own production company, Edmonds Entertainment Group, which has produced movies like Soul Food, and Josie and the Pussycats.
Babyface’s personal life
Babyface met Tracey McQuorn in 1990 when she auditioned for a music video. The two tied the knot two years later, on September 5, 1992. Together, they have two sons; Brandon and Dylan.
However, the couple filed for divorce on January 7, 2005, citing irreconcilable differences.
In 2007, the musician started dating his backup dancer, Nicole Pantenburg, with whom he welcomed a daughter in 2008. They weremarried on May 17, 2014, however, ended their marriage recently in July 2021.
