Actor

Táta Vega

75 years · Queens, New York City, New York, USA · 5 films

Táta Vega (born October 7, 1951, as Carmen Rosa Vega) is an American singer whose career spans theater, film, and various musical genres. She began her professional singing career as early as 1963 and later performed in the Los Angeles production of the musical Hair. Subsequently, she was a member of the groups Pollution and Earthquire before signing with Motown, where she released several solo albums, including Full Speed Ahead (1976), Totally Táta (1977), and Try My Love (1978). She became particularly well-known for the song "Get It Up for Love." As a vocalist, Táta Vega has collaborated with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Madonna, and Elton John. In the film The Color Purple, she provided the vocals for the character Shug Avery and was featured on several songs on the soundtrack—including "Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)," which was nominated for an Oscar. In 1985, she received a Grammy nomination. In 1994, she recorded Spanish-language versions of "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. In 2013, she appeared in the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom, which focuses on backup singers. Her music has been sampled by artists including Daft Punk, Eminem, and Drake.