Fonda Rae

Fonda Rae, born in Ossining, NY, began her music career in the late 1970s. She quickly became known for her distinct vocals, which were described as flirty, sweet, yet tough. Her debut came with Don Armando’s 2nd Ave. Rhumba Band, an August Darnell project, where she was prominently featured on tracks including “I’m an Indian, Too” and “Deputy of Love.” This early exposure set the stage for her involvement in numerous studio projects and collaborations within the R&B, Club/Dance, House, and Post-Disco genres. Rae’s work during this period established her as a significant voice in the club scene.

Throughout the 1980s, Fonda Rae continued to build her reputation. She was featured on Kid Creole’s “Off the Coast of the Me” album and fronted Fantasy’s “You’re Too Late.” Her collaborations extended to Patrick Adams’ Rainbow Brown, where she sang on “I’m the One,” and Wish, providing vocals for “Touch Me,” a track later covered by Cathy Dennis. Rae also released solo 12-inch singles that became club classics, such as the Leroy Burgess-produced “Over Like a Fat Rat” in 1982 and the self-written and co-produced “Heobah” in 1983. These releases showcased her versatility as both a vocalist and a creative force.

Fonda Rae’s career progression saw her transition from background session work and featured appearances to becoming a sought-after lead vocalist for house records by the early 1990s. She released solo and co-billed tracks on labels such as François Kevorkian’s Wave Music and the U.K. imprint Nuphonic, the latter featuring a collaboration with Adam Goldstone. Her singles, including “Touch Me” (1984), “Living in Ecstasy” (1996), “Think About You” (2016), and “Searchin'” (2018), consistently charted on the US Club Play. Rae has maintained an active presence in the music industry, with her career spanning from the 1980s into the late 2010s, solidifying her legacy as an influential figure in dance music.