Today marks the 30th anniversary of Tevin Campbell’s first album release, ‘T.E.V.I.N’, which he recorded at just 14 years old.
The album spawned eight singles, and five of them entered the Top 10 on Billboard’s R&B chart, with ‘Tell Me What You Want Me To Do’ and ‘Alone With You’ both topping the chart.
‘Round and Round’, written and produced by Prince, and ‘Just Ask Me To’ had both appeared on soundtracks (‘Graffiti Bridge’ and ‘Boyz N The Hood’) prior to the album being released. ‘Round and Round’ peaked at #12 on the Hot 100 and was certified Gold.
‘Tell Me What You Want Me To Do’ remains Tevin’s highest charting song in the US, peaking at #6 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and it was also a Top 10 hit in New Zealand.
Other singles from the album included ‘One Song’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘Strawberry Letter 23’ and ‘Confused’, which featured backing vocals from K-Ci and JoJo.
Tevin was often called the male Whitney Houston at the time for his phenomenal vocal abilities and singing style. Whitney, who was one of Tevin’s idols, loved ‘One Song’ so much, she actually performed it live.
‘T.E.V.I.N.’ peaked at #5 on the R&B chart in the US and was certified Platinum. It earned Tevin nominations at the Grammy Awards, Soul Train Awards and American Music Awards.
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