Neneh Cherry | Broken Record

Early Influences

Neneh Cherry's childhood was a tapestry of diverse musical influences, shaped by her bohemian upbringing across Sweden, New York, and London. Her stepfather, Don Cherry, a renowned jazz trumpet player, exposed her to a wide array of sounds, from recordings made in the Zaire rainforest to the Commodores and the Rolling Stones 1. This eclectic mix allowed Neneh to find her own musical path, as she recalls, "I can remember being like, six and listening to the Jackson Five" 1. Her early exposure to such varied music laid the foundation for her unique sound, which would later incorporate elements of punk, jazz, and hip-hop.

   

Punk Influence

Punk music played a pivotal role in Neneh Cherry's decision to pursue a career in music. At the age of 15, she was captivated by the punk scene, particularly by X-Ray Spex and their frontwoman, Poly Styrene, who was one of the few women of color in the genre 2. Neneh's journey into punk led her to England, where she became friends with members of the all-girl punk band, The Slits, and eventually joined the band Rip Rig + Panic 3. She reflects on this transformative period, saying, "Punk is what took me to England in the first place, really" 2.