Carl Reeves

Carl Delezio Reeves (May 21, 1983 - October 22, 2009) is an UK-based pop singer, songwriter, TV producer, actor and host. Reeves first became famous for his stint at the award-winning variety TV show POP BOX, and later went on to earn himself a couple of hit singles including "Some Girls!" and "Spinnin'". He is also known for his TV production team coolcatflash, which produced POP BOX and Uraps Idol 10.

Reeves died suddenly on October 22, 2009 in his Surrey mansion, coroner investigation shows he died of accidental overdose.

Beginnings

Reeves was born to John Reeves and Jane DeLazio; his father is of American-born with an Irish descent, and his mother is of Italian and Spanish descent. He also had an elder brother Josh, and two younger sister Marie-Ann and Jamie. His father John Reeves sings for a living as a tenor in a major opera group, with his mother Jane being a vocal coach, Carl was brought up in a musically-inclined family. The Reeves family moved to UK when Carl was just 7. Carl learns to sing in the age of 12, when he participated in a national singing competition called Fame, he came in as the runner up for the show. At the age of 19 he auditioned for the reality TV show, Popstars: The Rivals, unfortunately he was cut before choosing the final 15 guys to make it to form a boyband. Reeves then flew over to California where he works as a part-time model and Goofy mascot in Disneyland.

Music career

In 2006, Carl flew back to London, hopefully to get a singing career. He participated in a national singing competition called The Singing Star, coming in as second runner up. Shortly after, he was offered a contract with the now-defunct Lemon Records, to release a cover version of "Endless Love". The single didn't do well, but was given another chance. Reeves decided to take things to his hand after he pencils "Press Rewind And Let It Play", a pop-rap song that dissed other popstars. Due to the explicit nature and offensive lyrics of the song, it was banned from both Radio 1 and Radio 2. Reeves has no choice but to scrap the release. It took an even worse turn when Lemon Records went bankrupt and Carl's previous materials were left unreleased.

Carl made his musical-comeback at Uravision Song Contest 2007, where he represented Ireland, and came in second with his newly self-composed dance pop song "Retro Spins You". With more publicity Reeves' got from the show and POP BOX, Ensemble immediately signed Reeves and released the single. The single was an immediate success as it debuts at #2 on its first week, selling over 200,000 copies in total.

Shortly after, Carl came back with the third single of his career "Some Girls!", leading the album "I'll Have My Wicked Way" in October 2007. With even stronger promotion, another chat show The Carl Reeves Show under his production and hard work, both the album and single turns out to be commercial success.

2008 turn out to be one of Carl's biggest career highlights, as he was nominated for the "Best Male" at Urapopstar Awards 15, as well as the "Best Spin Off" award for his chat show The Carl Reeves Show. At the second week of the year, Reeves also managed to hit the top spot on the singles chart with his fourth single "Spinnin'" and later, a Top 5 smash with "Control Yourself".

In April 2009, Carl announced his comeback to the music scene. Converting to a slightly urban and soul sound to his new album, led by the Darkchild-produced "Hit Me Up (Bounce, Bounce)". It help Reeves comeback in his music career as the album "Soul Or Sinner" soars to the top of the charts. Carl released his first US single "Fantasy" which features RnB superstar Tiara Coles in July and his second UK single "Dumb Dumb" featuring Kelly Brown. The third UK single from the album "More Than A Man" is said to be Reeves' final single of his career.

A greatest hits album, aptly titled "Endless Love: The Collection" will be released on the same day as his final single as a bid farewell to his fans, as well as a farewell gig and a TV documentary, titled The Carl Reeves Party.

Discography

Main Article: Carl Reeves discography

Film and television career

Shortly after being dropped from Lemon Records, Reeves then produced and presented his own pop TV show "POP BOX".

The show lasted for 6 months during its first season and was shown weekly as a pop music entertainment programme on Channel 4. The show was a respectable success - with its finale show exceeding the ratings of 6 million viewers. Carl left the show to join Uravision 2007, the POP BOX franchise was sold to another management. At the Urapopstar Awards 14, POP BOX won the "Best Spin-Off" award. Reeves also repeated its success with another variety TV show, "The Carl Reeves Show" which featured celebrities with interviews and performances, was also nominated for "Best Spin-Off" award at the Urapopstar Awards 15.

After the last single from his album "I'll Have My Wicked Way", Reeves spent most of the time filming a couple of cameos and minor roles in some blockbuster movies such as "Revolutionary Road", "Pineapple Express" and "27 Dresses". He will also appear in "Seventeen" and "State Of Play" in 2009 as supporting roles. He also co-directed an independent movie, "August", which stars Josh Harnett.

In 2009, Carl has confirmed that will be back on the TV screens as he hosts and produces the third season of POP BOX yet again, the premier show was shown on April 19th and it shows on ITV every Sunday at 8pm. The season finale will be telecast on September 20, which consists of performances from huge stars such as Alesha and Paulo Araujo. He also produced the tenth installment of Uraps Idol, which became one of the most successful Idol season, hitting a 16 million high viewership on its finale show.

Carl plans to work on movies in 2010.

Filmography

Main Article: Carl Reeves filmography

Other projects

During the peak of his music career, Reeves also released an autobiography called "Love & Life" about his ever-changing career, it also includes private photos of Reeves when he was younger and the 2009 edition of the book includes wedding pictures of Carl and Emily.

Reeves and Henning also created their own clothing line and perfume called "C&E" and is dubbed as the new "DVB". Reeves also produced two songs "Voodoo Love" and "Never Gonna Dance Again" on Henning's 2008 hit record "Seventeen Missing Kisses", as well as for other artists such as Christine Tyler and Allyseenah.

Personal life

Reeves is oftenly questioned about his sexuality due to his outrageous and flamboyant personality, the singer was quoted saying that he's "bisexual" and did "experimented" when he was younger. During one of the episodes of "The Carl Reeves Show", Reeves told the audience that he prefers it to be a 'mystery'.

He considers himself a close friend of Mike Wilson from Emblaze, Jack Stevens, Brett Clarkson and Paulo Araujo.

Marriage with Emily Henning

Right after coming in second on Uravision 2007, Reeves was seen out and about with pop singer Emily Henning. Although both parties denied their relationship initially, it was confirmed that the couple is dating few weeks later. The couple also survived a few ordeals during the initial period - as Reeves was seen hanging out with XR8D singer Marie Fitzgerald at one point and that Carl's good friend Jack Stevens revealed both him and Emily had a short fling while they were still an item. On March 10, 2008, Reeves and Henning tie the knot in a multi-million budget wedding, with OK! magazine calling it the 'wedding of the year'. The couple welcomed their first child - daughter Melody Henning-Reeves on August 8, 2008. Reeves was quoted saying that Melody is a "blessing" and hopes for more children in the future.

In September 2009, after press speculation that Henning and Reeves "hadn't spoken for weeks", it was announced that the couple would be separating. On September 14, 2008, a fire broke out at the Surrey mansion that the they had shared together, which provoked rumours that Reeves himself had started the blaze. Reeves was cleared of all allegations. Rumours also said that Reeves is currently dating pop veteran Emma Brown, although the singer denied of such relationship between the two, insisting they were just friends.

Three weeks after separation, Reeves moved back to Henning at the newly renovated mansion at Surrey, as both the stars wanted to give the relationship another shot for the sake of their daughter Melody.

Death

On October 22, 2009, BBC reported the sudden death of the singer in his Surrey mansion after taking medication for his recurring fever he had for the last few days before his death.

Coroner investigation reports shows that Reeves has taken over dosage of his medication, presumably by accident. His heartbeat stopped only four hours before his daughter Melody fail to wake him up from the bed. Reeves died at the age of 26.

The death is led to numerous accusations such as a possible culpable homicide, although no suspects were recognized. Suicide has also been ruled out because hours before his death Reeves updated on his Twitter about how excited [he was] about the new filming project.

Reeves leaves behind wife Emily Henning - whose personal life with was much covered by media spotlight - and his only daughter, Melody who turns one this August.

Tributes

Only hours after Carl's death, fans and media alike all paid their last respects and tributes to the all-round entertainer for the last time.

Celebrities also paid tribute to the entertainer, those of which includes Jack Stevens, who dubbed "today the music died". Wife Emily Henning was said to be "completely broken" and canceled her TV appearances and promotional tour as she "struggles to cope".

Singer Amy Marshall puts on a shirt which says "Carl Is My Home Boy", and calls him a "a great guy who had lots of awesome songs". Critically-acclaimed songwriter Shell Ruin also called it "a great loss" and that "heaven gains an angel today", Ruin died in a car crash a week later after the prestigious Urapopstar Awards 17.

Brett Clarkson, Lindsay Belle, Missfit, Ana Simpson, Phoenix Rising and China all made a teary tribute to the singer shortly after.

Rap hip hop artist Loretta Lambert praised Carl's final single, "More Than A Man" and said "this is the only song as of late to be so respectful and appreciative of the feminine beauty". Lambert also recorded a freestyle cover of his single "Dumb Dumb" a week before his death, but pull back on releasing the final studio recording out of respect.

It also made pop star Syd Wolfe realize the importance of friendship as she rekindles friendship with Crystal Barker, whom she fallen off with after their supposed collaboration did not work out. Darren from Aftershock also decided to patch things up with band mate Becca, after a long haul of fights they had.

Indigo Peak star Yannik also unveils merchandises based on the singer, aptly titled "Just Reeves" as a tribute to the singer, although many criticize the star of cashing into Reeves' death.

Pop singer Elice Claire also diverted the money that goes into the digital format of her single "Damn Wrong About Me" as a donation to wife Emily Henning. Newcomer Paris also follow the suite by donating the proceeds of the digital format of her single "Forbidden Apple", as well as 25% of the physical sales to the funeral fund.

"Schizo Pop" singer songwriter Romo also dedicated her third album, POPSTAR 2: Belle After Death to the singer. The singer also added that "They might be gone for good, but their memory will live on and there will be plenty of people who act on it to pay tribute to him."

Of all these tributes, only the legendary Deltra criticize the singer for "stealing her thing", on regards of her death on last July.

The Infinite also claims that Reeves isn't dead. Reeves also cameo star in their music video "Dancefloor Officer" but was forced to edit out Carl's cameo in less than 24 hours time. The original take with Reeves will be included on the band's DVD single.

Awards

• Urapopstar Awards 14: Best Spin Off (for POP BOX) Won
  
• Urapopstar Awards 15: Best Spin Off (for The Carl Reeves Show) Nominated
  
• Urapopstar Awards 15: Best Male Nominated
  
• Urapopstar Awards 17: Best Male Nominated
  
• Urapopstar Awards 17: Best Spin Off (for POP BOX) Nominated
  
• Urapopstar Awards 17: Best Spin Off (for Uraps Idol 10) Nominated
  
• Video Music Awards 2009: Best Urban Nominated