From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Cage, Athena
(born: 1970) Athena Cage, from Russellville, KY, is a recognized and awarded songwriter, singer, and producer. She moved from Kentucky to Atlanta, GA to further her singing career. The song Nobody, sung by Athena Cage and Keith Sweat, was number one for three weeks on the U.S. R&B Chart in 1996. That same year, the song Twisted was also number one on the U.S. R&B Chart for three weeks, and was number two on Billboard Hot 100. Twisted was sung by Keith Sweat and featured the group Kut Klose and the rapper Pretty Russ. Athena Cage was the lead singer of Kut Klose, joined by Lavonn Battle and Tabitha Duncan. The group's album Surrender was released in 1995 on the Elektra label.In 2001, Athena Cage released the album The Art of a Woman on the Priority Records label. The album includes the song All Or Nothing, her double platinum single. The song is featured on the soundtrack and in the film Save the Last Dance. In 2007, she and the original members Kut Klose regrouped and sang on the album Sweat Hotel Live, a Keith Sweat album. In 2010, the group released the single Let It Ring.
Athena Cage is a graduate of Western Kentucky University (WKU). In 2003, she established the Athena Cage Scholarship at WKU. In 2004, Athena Cage Way (formerly Second Street) in Russellville, KY, was named in her honor. The Basil Griffin Park amphitheater was renamed The Athena Cage Outdoor Amphitheater. Athena Cage now lives in Kentucky, her music headquarters is in Bowling Green, KY.
For more see the Athena Cage website; see "Athena Cage" in Who's Who Among African Americans, 22nd ed. (2008); Toi Moore, "Priority Records, Athena Cage excels at The Art of a Woman'" Billboard, v.113, issue 27, 07/07/2001, p.25; "Fort Campbell Brief," The Leaf Chronicle, 11/04/2001, p.A.14; Alec Foege, "Out of Crass Commerce Arises the New Auteur: Out of Commerce, The New Auteur," New York Times, 08/27/1995, p.H26; and see "Kut Klose" on p.110 in Logan County by M. Griffin.
