Cheryl Lynn (born Lynda Cheryl Smith; March 11, 1957) is an American disco, R&B and soul singer known best for her 1978 disco song, "Got to Be Real". Lynn's singing career began when she was a young girl with her church choir. However, her professional singing career started during 1976 when she obtained a job as a backing vocalist for the national touring company of the musical drama The Wiz.