In 1975, Leslie Charles adopted the named Billy Ocean.
In 1976 Billy Ocean recorded his first album entitled “Billy Ocean“. It charted Number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and Number 22 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. He gained much success from songs “Are You Ready” and “Stay the Night”, which were covered by LaToya Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister. “Love on Delivery” was also a popular song that brought him great success.
In 1984, Ocean released the album “Suddenly” and the main single included the song “Caribbaen Queen”, whose name and lyrics were changed depending on the region. For example, the song is also known as “African Queen” or “European Queen”.The song peaked on U.S and U.K. charts. Also on the album, the song “Loverboy” peaked at Number 2 on U.S. charts.
In 1985, he won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and was nominated for B est R&B song.
In 1986, he released the album “Love Zone”. A few songs on the album were quite popular. For example, “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going.” was a Number 1 hit in the U.K. and Number 2 in the U.S. It was even the theme for the film “The Jewel of the Nile”. “There’ll Be Sad Songs(To Make You Cry)” was Number 1 in the U.S. This album helped Ocean earn a second Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1987 Grammy Awards.
Also in 1987, Ocean was nominated for Best British Male for the Brit Awards.
His succeeding album “Tear Down These Walls‘, went platinum. “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” was also a Number 1 single.
Billy Ocean’s last album ” Time to Move On” failed at getting the attention of audiences and gathered no major success, even though it included R&B sensation, R. Kelly.