4 THE CAUSE

When Leroy Edwards, Jr. was a youngster, he and his brothers and sisters used to perform at church gatherings under the direction of his father, Leroy Edwards, Sr. So when the younger Leroy heard his song and daughter, J-Man and Ms. Lady, sing with their cousins, BJ and Shorty, he knew there was something special there. The kids' family musical backgroung is apparent; Leroy is a singer, songwriter, producer and was the music director for his church and Shorty's dad also is a musician and producer. BJ's father sings, writes and plays bass and his mother is their Church's choir director. It should come as no suprise that the kids would want to perform and that they would be naturals.

Leroy had been so impressed with his young family's talent, that he began to book them for charity shows. They have done many shows for Michael Jordan's Boys and Girls Clubs and were regularly involved with prision ministry where they performed for 14 to 17 year old inmates. In 1993, 4 The Cause got the chance to perform at an Apollo style talent showcase in Chicago hosted by Mike E., the president of a new record label owned by Reggie White of the Green Bay Packers. Mike and Reggie were so impressed by the group that they signed them to the new label. Their first album, "Up On It", was released on Reggie White's Big Doggie Record Label in 1994 and won a Stellar Award as "Rap, Hip Hop, Gospel Performance of the Year".

A few short years later, 4 The Cause signed to BMG Ariola in Europe. Their debut single, "Stand By Me," reached platinum status in seven weeks. The group has been certified Platinum and Gold in Belgium, Germany, Ireland. South Africa and New Zealand, Austria, Sweeden and Switzerland. It is Silver in France and still climbing.

The groups' influences run from traditional Gospel music as well as R&B, Hip Hop and Pop music. Some of their favorite performers are Brandy, Whitney Houston, Boys II Men, Babyface, R Kelly and Usher.

Interesting Facts:

Ø The single “stand By Me” went Platinum in 7 weeks in Germany (Thirty thousand copies sold in one day)

Ø “Stand By Me” has gone Platinum in five countries and Gold in five others.

Ø Won Golden Europa’s “Best New Artist 1998”

Ø The single “Stand By Me” went #1 in Austria, #2 in Germany, #10 in France and #12 in the UK

Ø Have appeared on over 100 television shows

Ø Performed New Years Eve in Silvestershow from Brandenburger Tor in Berlin to an estimated live audience of 350,000 and television audience of 28 million

Ø Won Golden Dance Award for “Best Song of the Year” at MIDEM 1999 in Cannes France.