Orish Grinstead

Orish Grinstead (June 2, 1980 - April 20, 2008) was an American R&B singer and founding member of the R&B group, 702. cite news |first=|last=|title=Founding member of 702 dies |url=http://blog.nj.com/jerseyurbanmusic/2008/04/founding_member_of_702_dies.html |work= Newark Star-Ledger |publisher= |date=2008-04-25 |accessdate=2008-05-10] She left the group early on to pursue a solo career, while the rest of the group found success in the 1990s and 2000s, but returned on several occasions. 702 is best known for its 1999 hit song, "Where My Girls At", but also had hits with "Get It Together" and "Steelo". The group has sold over 500,000 music units worldwide.

Grinstead formed 702 with her twin sister, Irish Grinstead, her older sister, Lameisha Grinstead and her friend, Kameelah Williams, in Las Vegas during the mid-1990s. The group was discovered by actor and comedian, Sinbad. He used his influence to get 702 onto a popular talent show in Atlanta, Georgia. Grinstead and the rest of the group met Michael Bivins while performing at the show. (Bivins is a member of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe, as well as the manager of Boyz II Men.) Bivins suggested the name 702 for the group in honor of the telephone area code of their native Las Vegas and became their manager.

Orish Grinstead left 702 early on to pursue a solo career. However, she often rejoined 702 when another member had to leave temporarily. For example, Kameelah Williams left the group on two separate occasions to pursue her own solo career, so Grinstead rejoined the group in her place until Williams rejoined 702. Orish Grinstead also rejoined the group in 1999 when her older sister, Lameisha Grinstead, took a temporary leave from 702 in order to have her son.

Death

Orish Grinstead died on April 20, 2008, at the age of 27 from kidney failure. She had been suffering from cancer and other undisclosed illnesses.

References