Melissa Bell (1964-2017)

Alchetron

Melissa Bell was born in London and raised four children in Islington. Bell was one of the lead singers of Soul II Soul, she also created her own band called Soul Explosion in 1999. Bell also worked with Liza Minnelli, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder. Her singing career inspired her daughter Alexandra Burke to rise to fame, but Burke says that Bell always kept her grounded. On the topic of Burke’s fame, Bell said:

“Alex buys me lovely gifts, but I don’t accept wads of cash from her – in West Indian culture that’s an absolute no-no. Saying that, if she wants to take me to the Dorchester, I’ll get there before her.”

Bell became very sick when her daughter was on The X-Factor, and used this experience to raise money for the NHS, as well as inspiring others to do the same. She also aimed to provide awareness and education on diabetes, kidney failure, and organ donation through ambassador roles and media appearances, promoting preventative advice. In 2013, Bell joined the Save the Whittington campaign launched by the Camden New Journal. After her death, her children established the Melissa Bell Foundation which raises money to help underprivileged children attend the Sylvia Young Theatre School.