After Dinner Speakers: Ultra Nate, Madeleine K. Albright, Linda Lusardi

b. Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Dance music diva, who first rose to fame via the club hit, "It's Over Now". Ultra Naté (which is her real name) is a former trainee psychotherapist. She was originally spotted by the Basement Boys in 1989, going on to sing backing vocals on Monie Love's debut album. The Basement Boys then persuaded her to step into the spotlight, leading to a deal with WEA Records. Reminiscent of a souped up Philly soul singer, or Donna Summer, Ultra Naté has all the correct stylings down to a tee, measuring jazz, funk and gospel within her compass. All are made distinctive by her slightly unconventional, and highly arresting, vocal phrasing. And for once, a garage vocalist with lyrics which, taken in isolation, were not an embarrassment. Her second, wildly diffuse, album for WEA, One Woman's Insanity, broke her internationally, and included duets with childhood hero Boy George (who wrote the song, "I Specialize In Loneliness" for her), as well as D-Influence, Nellee Hooper, Ten City and the omnipresent Basement Boys. In the late 90s she enjoyed massive international hits with the club anthems "Free" and "Found A Cure", and also released the bestselling Situation: Critical.