1963-08-09 ) Newark, New Jersey , U.S. Died February 11, 2012 ( 2012-02-11 ) (aged 48) Beverly Hills, California , U.S. Genres Pop , R&B , soul , dance , gospel Occupations Singer, actress, model, film producer, record producer, songwriter Instruments Vocals, piano Years active 1977–2012 Labels Arista , RCA Associated acts