Song;Oh Sheila
Album:Ready for the World
Oh Sheila topped the charts in 1985. I know that many music fans thought the song was by Prince. The influence was obvious but Oh Sheila was by Ready for the World. They were from Flint, MI led by lead singer Melvin Riley Jr. He also played rhythm guitar and co-wrote most of the songs. Gordon Strozier was his usual writing partner and lead guitarist. Other members were Gregory Potts on keyboards, John Eaton on bass, Gerald Valentine on drums and Willie Triplett on percussion. A 1982 album released independently got them radio airplay in Michigan and that led to a deal with MCA Records. Their 1984 debut album Ready for the World was written and produced by the band. MCA A&R director Louis Silas was executive producer. Oh Sheila was the third single. It topped the Billboard Hot 100. There was even a rumor at the time that the song was about Prince's pal Sheila E. That was not true. Supposedly Prince and Sheila were in a car and Oh Sheila played on the radio. She asked him when he wrote it. Prince said "I didn't". So I think a lot of fans think Oh Sheila is a lost Prince track. The album was certified Platinum and it's available on CD. Ready for the World had one other top ten hit with Love You Down from the 1986 album Long Time Coming. They released four albums on MCA and have continued to perform and record occasionally. They last recorded in 2004. Riley released a solo album on MCA in 1994 and he has produced other artists. Here's the video for Oh Sheila by Ready for the World.
Flint Michigan? Cool. Glad to hear about Michigan again. My home state. I love this song. I first heard it on YouTube and thought of Prince and Sheila E as well!!! I am glad they have had success. David
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