Reid is known for her hit songs during the late 1980s and early 1990s such as "Girlfriend" (1987), "Mercedes Boy" (1988), "Giving You the Benefit" (1990), "Love Makes Things Happen", (1990), and "Backyard" (1991).
In addition to a recording career, Reid helped develop the successful contemporary R&B group TLC.
Reid was born Perri Arlette McKissack on August 29, 1964,[3][4][5] one of four siblings to two parents of mixed European-American (white)/African-American (black) ancestry.
A local musician gave Reid a production deal which fell through several months later when she became pregnant with her daughter.
[1] While working at an Oakland, California, real estate office she met contractor George L. Smith, who she later married.
[6][7] Reid's cousin is R&B singer Cherrelle who was featured, along with Johnny Gill, on her 1991 hit song, "Always".
Under her new stage name "Sister Perri",[10] she founded Women of God Changing Lives (WOGCL) Ministries.