Renee Diggs-Phillips, former lead singer of Starpoint
deb...@comcast.net
It is with sadness that I report the passing of Renee Diggs-Phillips,
former lead singer of the Group Starpoint.
Renee met Ernesto Phillips of Annapolis, Maryland and his brothers in
the early stages of their musical careers. Their music took a turn for
the better when she joined the Phillips' band, Licyndiana. After many
rehearsals, writing sessions and performances, Licyndiana changed it's
name to Starpoint to persue a recording contract and career. Having
Renee in the band made the package complete. Starpoint was signed to a
Polygram label, Casablanca/Chocolate City Records in 1980. They
Recorded four albums with that label.
In 1985 Starpoint recorded the their seventh Album "Restless" with
Elektra/Asylum, a Warner Brothers label. Starpoint toured exstensively
with Luther Vandross and Isley Jasper Isley that year. The album sold
over 600,000 records and went "Gold" with Renee singing the hit
single,"Object Of My Desire".
In the middle of the "Restless" tour, Renée was diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It made it hard for Starpoint to continue
touring. What is most encouraging about Renee is that she deals with
this disease and all of the physical/mental problems it causes, with
strength and grace. She handles herself the same way when she
electrifies audiences with her onstage performance's. Even though Renee
became increasingly ill with MS, she continued to tour and record three
more albums with Starpoint.
Renee decided to do a project on her own in 1990. Renee did other
musical projects with Michael Franks, Cliff Dawson, and other recording
artist during the Starpoint years.
Renee continued to coach and inspire many in the music industry through
the Renee Diggs Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis.
Renee's long time companion Ernesto Phillips had just passed away last
year.
Renee played a large part of the success that Starpoint reached with
her charm, beauty and fantastic vocal ability.