Cheryl Lynn Is Getting the “Encore” She Deserves With the Help of Baltimore-Based Dancers’ Virality
Written by Dave Brooks on January 30, 2024
In recent years, TikTok has been instrumental in making songs go viral, even those released two to three decades ago, along with popular dance challenges. Cheryl Lynn’s “Encore,” originally launched in 1983 and created by the renowned duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is a prime example as it resurfaced 41 years later across the internet. The track was part of her fifth album, Preppie. Her career took a significant turn with her hit single “Got to Be Real” in 1978, showcasing her distinct voice and dynamic stage presence. Her success continued with albums like In Love and Instant Love.
With the Baltimore Ravens’ impressive playoff run, the TSU dancers from Baltimore, Maryland crafted a challenge set to Cheryl’s hit record. TSU Flash also known as Kenneth Worsley told EBONY, “In the midst of the Park Heights strut we previously did going viral to the beat of DJ Zays’ remix of Tems ‘Free Mind,’ the people started asking for “Another song, please” in the comments . I chose “Encore” by Cheryl Lynn and proceeded to keep doing it to this song.”
The viral moment not only garnered attention for Cheryl Lynn’s song among those unfamiliar with it but also propelled it to the TOP 20 on the iTunes R&B/Soul Charts. Remarkably, this marks the first time since the song’s 1983 release. Cheryl’s ownership of her masters adds to the significance, a rarity in today’s music industry landscape. “I own my masters so the royalties are lovely,” the soul singer tweeted back in November 2023. “Have been for over 35 years.”
Shags as known as Ryan Daly mentioned “The challenge just started naturally. The more videos we did and as the Ravens kept winning, people wanted to see us more and more.”
Cheryl Lynn has been grateful of this moment and thanked the TSU dancers for being a part of the new success of “Encore.” “She has thanked us numerous times now and calling us her babies. We call her ‘auntie’ ! We follow each other on Twitter and Instagram…We’ve influenced her to support the Ravens as her song became a winning celebration routine with us. She has many people from across the country embracing our Baltimore culture and vibe. We’re all like cousins now,” TSU Flash tells EBONY.
As the year continues, what other throwback jams will have a comeback and give our legends the shine they so deserve?
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