Irene Cara, born in 1962 in New York City, has been a "triple threat" veteran entertainer since she first dazzled audiences at the tender age of five. The youngest daughter of a Latin musician, she began her career singing and dancing on Latin television, performing with her father's mambo band.

She went on to become a prominent actress, with leading roles in theatre, television and film. Although, as a teenager, she worked as a background vocalist for many famous recording stars, it was during her breakout role in the acclaimed 1980 musical, "Fame" that she was signed to be a recording artist in her own right.

In 1983 came the blockbuster musical film "Flashdance - What a Feeling", which became her biggest hit and garnered her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. This was a pivotal moment in Oscar history as Miss Cara was the first African American female to win the coveted award since Hattie McDaniel ("Gone With The Wind - 1939"), the first Hispanic female since Rita Moreno ("West Side Story" - 1961) and the first bi-racial female ever to win in any category pre-dating Halle Berry by nearly twenty years.

Miss Cara is one of the most awarded artists of her generation, winning Grammy's both as a vocalist and as a songwriter. She won a Golden Globe Award as well as a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a People's Choice Award, an Obie Award as a child for her work in theatre, an Image Award and countless other industry honors for outstanding actress, singer and composer. She remains a beloved icon to an entire generation and an inspiration to young performers all over the world.

Her most recent musical effort is an ambitious 2 CD set featuring a remarkable band of female musicians and singers she has developed and produced, named "Hot Caramel". The record project is called "Irene Cara Presents Hot Caramel."