Zulema - A Mother Cries

An exceptionally talented vocalist and songwriter, Zulema Cusseaux (usually credited as just Zulema) was one of the brightest stars of the 1970s and 80s R&B and Disco scene. Aside from her solo career, she was a member of an early line up of Faith, Hope and Charity and worked as a backing vocalist and songwriter with Aretha Franklin. In the early 70s, Zulema started touring as an opening act for major stars like Bill Withers. She appeared on a bill with Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Earth, Wind and Fire and Sly Stone at the Push Expo in Chicago, a concert which became a motion picture called Save the Children. The movie's soundtrack was released on Motown Records and included Zulema's single mother anthem, "This Child of Mine." She was later signed to RCA records, where she released three albums: Zulema, R.S.V.P, and Suddenly There Was You. In 1978, she released the album Z-Licious on Le Joint Records, which featured a duet with long-term collaborator Van McCoy. McCoy also got Zulema on board for Aretha Franklin's 1979 disco album La Diva - having her write one of the songs and perform backing vocals on the entire album. In 1980, Zulema had a starring role in the New York musical, Jazzbo Brown. In 1981 she released the critically acclaimed single "A Mother Cries," now considered a bona fide disco classic. Originally released on the legendary T.S.O.B. (The Sound Of Brooklyn) label, the classic single is presented here, newly remastered for this exclusive release, including the original B side instrumental version. .