Frances Nero

Who is Frances Nero?

Frances Nero is an American singer who, at the age of 22, became the first live performance contest winner in Motown Records's history. Topping out 5,000 contestants, she emerged victor in June 1965. She was awarded $500, a dozen long stemmed red roses, a recording contract for one year and the honor of being the first female artist signed to Motown's Soul label. The contest was sponsored by WCHB, the soul radio station in Detroit, Michigan; and Motown Records. She also took her place in history as WCHB's first live contest winner.

Nero recorded "Keep On Loving Me" and "Fight Fire With Fire" penned by William Weatherspoon and James Dean, and produced by William "Mickey" Stevenson. The record sold 10,000 copies.

She appeared on Canada's television program, Swinging Time with host Robin Seymour.

Nero was a one-hit wonder in the UK with her single "Footsteps Following Me" in 1991.