Eric Benét (born October 15, 1966 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer.

Biography

Benét's father loved classical music and inspired an interest in music in his son. By his teens, Eric had formed a vocal group with his sister and cousin called "Benét." The group released a self-titled album in 1992 but only sold 70,000 copies possibly due to a lack of proper promotion by Capitol Records.

Also in 1992, Benét's girlfriend, Tami, gave birth to a daughter they named India. The couple's happiness was short-lived when Tami was killed in a car accident a little over a year later.

In 1994, Benét signed with Warner Brothers, releasing his solo debut album, True to Myself, in fall (1996). His next album, A Day in the Life, was released in 1999; its first single, "Georgy Porgy" received significant airplay, but the second single "Spend My Life With You," became a smash hit. The album rose to number one on the American R&B charts, was certified gold, and nominated for a 2000 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. It also later won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Male. Benét also was recorded for Earth, Wind, and Fire's 30th anniversary CD.

Benét has also been active as an actor; he had a recurring role on the television program For Your Love (1998 - 2002). He made his film debut in Glitter (2001).

He became engaged to actress Halle Berry in 1999 and the couple married in January of 2001. The couple separated in 2003 allegedly due to Benét's infidelity and have filed for divorce.

Discography

• True To Myself (1996)
• A Day in the Life (1999)

Resources

• "Eric Benét". Yahoo! Movies. Retrieved Oct. 22, 2004.