She was the 1986 "Star Search Grand Champion (Female Vocalist)"[3] and the winner of the 2013 Malibu Music Awards ("Vocal Coach of the Year").

[6] A relocation to New York City at the age of 14 with her uncle Bishop Walter L. Benton and his choir opened the way to her professional career.

[citation needed] Blu's career as a session background singer began in 1973 with Archie Shepp's "Rest Enough (Song to Mother)",[7] from his The Cry of My People album.

[citation needed] In 1987, the album Blu Blowin' produced two minor R&B/hip hop hits with "Tender Moments" and "All the Way with You".

[10] In 2006, Blu was featured on the short-lived ABC TV show Miracle Workers alongside good friend Charles Valentino.