Frances Nero, born Willie Frances Peak on March 13, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina, was an American singer known for her contributions to contemporary R&B and soul music. She began singing in local groups and radio appearances at a young age. In 1960, she married Johnny Nero and moved to Detroit, where she performed jazz pieces in nightclubs. Her breakthrough came in June 1965 when she won a talent contest with "Everybody Loves a Lover" on WCHB Radio, earning her a contract with Motown's Soul Records. Her first single, "Keep On Lovin' Me", was released in March 1966, but no further records were produced during her three-year stint at Motown. In the late 1980s, Nero was rediscovered by British producer Ian Levine and signed to Motorcity Records. Her comeback single "Footsteps Following Me" reached Number 17 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1991. This success led to two albums with Motorcity Records: Out on the Floor (1990) and Footsteps Following Me (1991). Nero also released several singles, including "Making My Daydream Real" and "Love Ride". In 2006, she published her audiobiography Mountains, Motown & Motion Pictures. Nero passed away on November 29, 2014, in Detroit.
