Kevin Thornton

Kevin Thornton (born June 17, 1969, Amarillo, Texas) is an American vocalist and evangelist, best known as the baritone singer and founding member of the multi-platinum R&B group Color Me Badd. Renowned for his deep vocal texture, Thornton played a pivotal role in the group’s vocal harmony arrangements, which fused new jack swing with doo-wop sensibilities. He was instrumental in their meteoric rise during the early 1990s, contributing to a string of chart-topping hits that defined the era's pop-R&B crossover sound.

Early Life

Born in Amarillo, Texas, Thornton spent his formative years in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended Northwest Classen High School. It was here that his musical journey began; he met fellow students Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, and Sam Watters in the school choir. Bonded by a shared love for classic vocal harmony, the quartet formed a group originally called Take One in 1985. To avoid confusion with the a cappella ensemble Take 6, they rebranded as Color Me Badd. Their big break occurred in 1987 when they successfully auditioned for Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & the Gang after spotting him in Oklahoma City. Impressed by their impromptu performance, Bell connected them with management, eventually leading to a signing with Giant Records.

Career

Thornton’s career exploded in 1991 when Color Me Badd was selected to record “I Wanna Sex You Up” for the New Jack City soundtrack. The single became a global phenomenon, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in the UK. Their debut album, C.M.B., followed shortly after, achieving triple-platinum status and spawning two No. 1 hits: the slow-jam ballad “I Adore Mi Amor” and the upbeat anthem “All 4 Love”. During Thornton's tenure, the group won an American Music Award for Favourite Soul/R&B Single and two Soul Train Music Awards, including Song of the Year. After releasing subsequent albums Time and Chance (1993) and Now & Forever (1996), Thornton left the group in October 1998 following the release of Awakening, choosing to step away from the commercial music industry to focus on his faith.

Personal Life

In June 1997, Thornton underwent a significant religious conversion, dedicating his life to Christianity. This spiritual shift profoundly influenced his personal and professional trajectory, leading directly to his departure from Color Me Badd the following year. He married his wife, Tamme, and prioritised raising his family, including his children Dominique and Breyanna. He later pursued theological education, becoming a licensed minister. His work since leaving the entertainment spotlight has been defined by his commitment to evangelism and community service, leveraging his past fame to share his personal testimony.

Current Activities

Thornton currently serves as a worship leader and evangelist through Kevin Thornton Ministries, based in Fort Worth, Texas. He is not part of the current touring lineup of Color Me Badd, having firmly transitioned into Gospel music and ministry. In 2005, he released a solo project titled Conversion, an album that chronicles his journey from R&B stardom to spiritual fulfilment. At present, Kevin Thornton remains active within the Gospel genre, with updates announced via official channels as confirmed.