Irish Grinstead was an American singer who rose to fame as a member of the R&B girl group 702, along with her sister LeMisha and Orish Grinstead. She was known for her vocal contributions to songs such as “Steelo”, “Where My Girls At?” and “I Still Love You”. She passed away on September 16, 2023, at the age of 43, after a long battle with kidney failure. She is survived by her husband, Tony Fields Senior.
Who was Irish Grinstead?
Irish was born on June 2, 1980, in Houston, Texas, United States. She had an identical twin sister, Orish, and an older sister, LeMisha. The sisters grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they attended the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts. They developed a passion for singing and performing from a young age and often sang in the lobby of Caesars Palace, where they were discovered by a comedian.
Sinbad introduced them to Michael Bivins, the founder of Biv 10 Records and a former member of New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. Bivins signed them to his label and formed a quartet with them and another singer, Amelia Childs. They made their debut as featured artists on Subway’s hit single “This Lil’ Game We Play” in 1994.
Career – As a Singer
702 released their first album, No Doubt, in 1996 with Irish Grinstead and other members. The album was a success, selling over 500,000 copies in the United States and earning them a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for Best R&B/Soul Album by a Group. The album spawned the singles “Steelo”, “Get It Together” and “All I Want”, which showcased their smooth harmonies and catchy hooks. “Steelo” also served as the theme song for the Nickelodeon show Cousin Skeeter.
In 1999, they released their second album, 702, which featured their biggest hit to date, “Where My Girls At?”. The song was written and produced by Missy Elliott and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became one of the most popular anthems for female empowerment and friendship. The album also included a few singles such as You Don’t Know, Gotta Leave, etc.
Achievements
In 2001, Kameelah Williams left the group temporarily to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Cree La’More. Irish Grinstead and group members recorded a single called “Pootie Tangin’” for the soundtrack of the Chris Rock movie Pootie Tang. However, Kameelah soon returned to the group and Cree departed.
In 2003, they released their third and final album, Star. The album was less successful than their previous ones, but it still produced the single “I Still Love You”, which was co-written and co-produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was a moderate hit and received positive reviews from critics.
After Star, 702 went on a hiatus and did not release any new music until 2017, when they reunited for a performance at the Soul Train Music Awards. They also appeared on the reality show BET Presents: The Encore in 2021, where they joined eight other former girl group members to form a supergroup and record an album in 30 days.
Songs List
- Get It Together
- You’ll Just Never Know
- Beep Me 911
- You Don’t Know
- Steelo
- Finding My Way
- I Still Love You
- Show You My Love
- Feelings
- Tell Your Girl
- Will You Be OK
- What More Can He Do
- Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
- Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah
Sisters: Misha and Orish Grinstead
Irish shared her musical talents with her sister, Misha Grinstead. Together, they formed an integral part of the girl group 702. This sisterly bond not only enriched their personal lives but also added a unique dynamic to the group’s harmonious sound. Misha’s presence in the group further strengthened the familial connection that Irish cherished throughout her life.
Tragically, Grinstead had a twin sister named Orish Grinstead, who passed away on April 20, 2008, at the age of 27. Orish’s death was attributed to kidney failure, a condition that would also play a significant role in Irish’s life and ultimately lead to her untimely demise.
Death Cause
Irish Grinstead passed away on September 16, 2023, at the age of just 43 years old. She had been suffering from kidney failure for a long time and had taken a medical leave of absence from the group in December 2020. Her sister LeMisha announced her death on Instagram and asked for prayers and privacy for their family.
Irish’s death came 15 years after her twin sister Orish died of the same condition on April 20, 2008. Orish had been an original member of 702 but left before they released their first album. She later formed another group called Phaze with her cousin Amelia Childs.
Net Worth
According to some sources, Irish Grinstead had an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of her death. She earned most of her wealth from her music career with 702 and from other ventures such as modeling and acting.
It is safe to say that her successful career as a member of 702, along with the group’s hit songs and albums, likely contributed significantly to her financial well-being. However, it’s essential to remember that Irish was not solely motivated by financial success but rather by her passion for music and her commitment to her art.
Parents and Early Life
Irish Grinstead’s early life was influenced by her family’s love for music. Growing up in a household that appreciated and celebrated music, it was only natural for Irish and her sisters to develop their musical talents. Although specific details about her parents are not readily accessible, it is clear that Irish’s upbringing played a crucial role in shaping her career as a singer.
Social Media Handles
Wikipedia – @702_(group)
Facebook – @irish.grinstead.7
Instagram – @702beat
Twitter – NA
Homepage – SeeFutureNews.com
Age and Birthday
Irish Grinstead was born on June 2, 1980, which means she was 43 years old at the time of her passing on September 16, 2023. Her birthday, falling in early June, was a special occasion for her fans and loved ones to celebrate her life and legacy.
Irish Grinstead’s Husband: Tony Fields Senior
Irish’s personal life also included her marriage to Tony Fields Senior. Although details about their relationship are private, it is known that Irish found love and companionship with Tony, creating a balance between her public and private life.
The reports went viral in early 2023 that Tony Fields Senior kicked her out of his home because of some personal reasons. Well, Irish preferred to keep the details private in her difficult situation as well. From her social media handles, seefuturenews.com also found that she was the mother of an amazing son named Bryce.
Education and Personal Life
Information about Irish Grinstead’s educational background is limited. Her life was predominantly focused on her music career, and her dedication to her craft was evident in her performances. While her formal education may not be widely documented, her musical education and the experiences she gained as a member of 702 were invaluable in shaping her into the artist she became.
Interesting Facts About Irish Grinstead
- Irish and her sisters in 702 achieved fame with their signature hits, including “Steelo,” “Get It Together,” and “Where My Girls At?” These songs remain cherished classics in the world of R&B music.
- “No Doubt,” 702’s debut album, was a significant breakthrough for the group and included hit singles that made them a household name.
- Irish’s family was deeply connected to the world of music, with her sisters Misha and Orish also pursuing careers in the industry.
- Both Irish and her twin sister, Orish, battled kidney failure, a health issue that would ultimately take their lives. This shared struggle highlighted the importance of organ donation and raised awareness about kidney-related health concerns.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
How did Irish Grinstead die?
Irish died of kidney failure on September 16, 2023, at the age of 43. She had been battling the condition for a long time and had taken a medical leave of absence from the group in December 2020.
Who is Irish Grinstead’s husband?
Her husband is Tony Fields Senior.
What is Irish Grinstead’s net worth?
Grinstead had an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of her death. She earned most of her wealth from her music career with 702.
Is Irish Grinstead related to Orish Grinstead?
Yes, this amazing singer and Orish Grinstead were identical twin sisters. They were both members of the girl group 702 but Orish left before they released their first album.
Did Irish Grinstead Have Children?
No, she did not have any kids.
