Orish Grinstead joined the 27 club on April 20, 2008. The cause of death is recorded as: Kidney failure
Orish Grinstead, born on June 2, 1980, was one of the founding members and original members of the American girl group, 702. Alongside her sisters LeMisha and Irish Grinstead, Orish began their musical journey as Sweeter than Sugar in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1993. With the support of their parents and the guidance of actor/comedian Sinbad, the trio attracted the attention of music industry executive Michael Bivins, who later signed them to his record label, Biv 10 Records, under the name 702.
Orish Grinstead's contributions to 702 during their early beginnings were significant. As a founding member and original quartet member alongside LeMisha, Irish, Orish, and Amelia Cruz, they debuted on Subway's first single "This Lil' Game We Play," which reached number fifteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. However, due to her lack of vocal support from Bivins, Orish was dismissed from the group during the recording of their first album, No Doubt, in 1995. This decision left 702 as a trio with LeMisha, Irish, and Meelah Williams.
Orish Grinstead is best known for her role as an original member of the R&B group 702 during their formative years. Although she did not continue in the group beyond this point, her involvement was crucial in establishing the foundation of their musical career. Their debut single "This Lil' Game We Play," featuring Orish on vocals, became a commercial success and paved the way for their future achievements.
Orish Grinstead's legacy with 702 extends beyond her brief tenure in the group. Despite being replaced during the recording of No Doubt, she remained a part of the group's history as a founding member and key contributor to their early success. 702's debut album, No Doubt, reached number eighty-two on the Billboard 200 and number twenty-four on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, eventually selling over half a million copies in the United States and earning a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Orish's presence and vocal contributions during this period significantly influenced the group's sound and style.
Orish Grinstead's impact on R&B music continues to be felt through her former group, 702. Although she did not remain a part of the group beyond its early years, her involvement in their musical journey set the foundation for their success. The legacy of Orish Grinstead as a founding member of 702 serves as a reminder that every individual plays an essential role in the development and growth of a creative endeavor, even if they are not there to witness the fruits of their labor firsthand.