Perri Arlette Reid a.k.a. Pebbles is a well-known singer, songwriter, record executive, pastor, and businesswoman. Rising to fame in the 1980s, she became a household name with hits like Mercedes, Girlfriend, and Giving You the Benefit.
Outside her music career, Pebbles played a significant role in the formation of the legendary R&B group TLC. Today, she has dedicated her life to faith, serving as an Atlanta-based minister Sister Perri. If you are intrigued to learn more about her life and career, this post is for you.
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Early Life
Pebbles’ full name is Perri Arlette McKissack. She was born on 29th August 1964, in Oakland, California. Growing up in a mixed family, her parents were African-American and European-American. She grew up alongside her three siblings with who she shares a close bond.
Pebbles was only six years old when her parents got divorced. She and her siblings were raised by her mother Reid, who worked as a housekeeper and waitress to support the family. Coming from a humble background, Pebbles was determined to make it big in her career. She developed a passion for singing from a young age and made it her career after growing up.
Beginning of Career
Talking about Pebbles’ career, she started her journey in the early 1980s as a backup singer and songwriter. This allowed her to work with several established musicians and gain experience.
Her big break came when she caught the attention of producers who saw her potential as a solo artist. In 1987, she signed a record deal with MCA Records and released her self-titled debut album, Pebbles.
Shot to Fame
Pebbles rose to fame after the release of her debut album Pebbles. It turned out to be a massive success and helped her gain widespread recognition. It contained the hit single Girlfriend that became a chart-topper. This was followed by another major hit, Mercedes Boy, which further established her in the industry.
In 1990, she released her second album, Always, which included the singles like Giving You the Benefit and Love Makes Things Happen. Once again, the album was a hit and pushed Pebbles into the limelight. She also founded her own production company called Pebbitone in Atlanta.
Relationship
Pebbles married not once, but five times. She was first married to George Smith and later tied the knot with L.A. Reid, the famous music producer. After their divorce in 1996, she married Otis Nixon, former MLB Player in 2000. But once again, her marriage didn’t last and the couple ended up divorcing in 2004. Today, she is devoted to her faith and serves as a minister.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
As of 2025, Pebbles’ net worth is approx. $20 million. A major chunk of her wealth comes from her successful music career. As a recording artist, she sold millions of albums worldwide, which helped her generate significant earnings. Besides that, she generated a good amount as a music executive. In recent years, she is working as a minister, but she continues to earn from her music royalties.
