Eugene Wilde

Biography

Eugene Wilde (born Ronald Eugene Broomfield on December 6, 1961) is an American R&B singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1980s as part of the quiet storm and new jack swing movements.[1][2] Born and raised in North Miami Beach, Florida, Wilde began his musical career in the 1970s as part of family and local groups including La Voyage, Tight Connection, and Simplicious, performing in Miami clubs before transitioning to a solo career.[1] His early professional experience included recording with Curtom Records in 1979 as a member of the group Today, Tomorrow, Forever.[1]

Wilde achieved his greatest commercial success after joining Philly World Records in 1984, when he wrote and recorded his debut hit "Gotta Get You Home Tonight," which reached No. 1 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart.[1][2] He replicated this success a year later with his second No. 1 R&B hit, "Don't Say No Tonight," establishing himself as a significant figure in 1980s R&B.[1][2] Additional charting singles included "Diana" (1986), which peaked at No. 10 on the R&B chart, and "Personality" (1985), which reached No. 34 in the UK.[1][5]

Beyond his recording career, Wilde found sustained success as a songwriter and music entrepreneur starting in the 1990s. He co-wrote "I'll Never Break Your Heart" with Albert Manno for the Backstreet Boys, contributed to Britney Spears' 2000 album Oops!... I Did It Again with the track "Dear Diary" (co-written with Jason Blume), and wrote "I Wish" for Victoria Beckham's 2001 self-titled album.[1] In 2018, Wilde launched his own record label, 50ish Music Group, continuing his involvement in the music industry.[1] His songwriting catalog has contributed to over 60 million in record sales across his various projects.[2]

Fun Facts

• Wilde appeared in the 1985 film Rappin' alongside Joanna Gardner, performing the duet "First Love Never Dies" which also appeared on the film's soundtrack.[1]
• His songwriting contributions have generated over 60 million in record sales across various artists, demonstrating significant impact behind the scenes despite moderate solo chart success after the mid-1980s.[2]
• Wilde co-wrote "I Wish" for Victoria Beckham's 2001 album, which was planned as Beckham's third single as a duet with Robbie Craig, but the release was ultimately canceled; however, the song was featured in the film Bend It Like Beckham, whose title referenced Victoria's husband David Beckham.[1]
• In 2010, Wilde recorded with the Danish production duo Cool Million, including a duet with his sister Dee Dee Wilde on the track "Loose," demonstrating his continued musical activity decades into his career.[1]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• McKinley Horton - Co-writer and producer on multiple hit singles ("Gotta Get You Home Tonight," "Don't Say No Tonight," "Diana," "Personality," "Rainbow," "Chey Chey Kule") [1984-1985]
• Sheena Easton - Duet partner ("What If We Fall in Love" (appeared on Easton's album No Sound But a Heart)) [1987]
• Joanna Gardner - Film and duet partner ("First Love Never Dies" (duet in film Rappin' and its soundtrack)) [1985]
• Cool Million (Rob Hardt and Frank Ryle) - Production and songwriting collaboration ("Back for More," "Loose") [2010]
• Dee Dee Wilde - Sister and duet partner ("Loose") [2010]

Artists Influenced

• Backstreet Boys - Songwriting contribution ("I'll Never Break Your Heart") [1990s]
• Britney Spears - Co-songwriter ("Dear Diary" on album Oops!... I Did It Again) [2000]
• Victoria Beckham - Songwriter ("I Wish" on self-titled album (also featured in Bend It Like Beckham)) [2001]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia