Deborah Cox performing live at Sugar

In 2011, Long Island saw a number of dance artists known best for their classic hits arrive to play stages in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, with entertainers like TKA and Kim Sozzi playing numerous times to sizable crowds. Now, with the New Year here, another hit-making singer arrives – and this one didn’t appear anywhere on the Island last year.

Her name is Deborah Cox, and she will be performing live at Sugar Dining Den and Social Club in Carle Place on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Unlike many of the either locally-based or freestyle musicians found frequently working the circuit, Cox is originally from Canada (Toronto), and is more of an R&B singer. She first found attention in 1995 with an eponymously-titled album (“Deborah Cox”) that was RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) certified gold (500,000 units sold) – a feat followed by a 1997 dance remix of her song, “Things Just Ain't The Same," a track that is considered by dance aficionados to be an all-time favorite.

The remix of “Things” ended up on her next album, “One Wish.” The record also included the song "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here,” in both her usual R&B style and in dance remix format – leading “Wish” to be RIAA certified platinum (1,000,000 units sold). “Nobody” ended up landing at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1998, and lasted on the chart for 27 weeks, also finding placement on the “R&B/Hip-Hop Songs,” “Pop Songs” and “Dance/Club Play Songs” registers.

Cox has continued to release music, as well as act in films and on stage. She also still performs her hits and other work, but somehow in 2011 – while singing at a few shows as close as New York City – she wasn’t seen on Long Island. But come Thursday, she will finally return, with a start sometime after 8 p.m. with DJs Tempo GT and Justin Michaels also scheduled to help keep people moving – cover is $10 at the door for gentlemen while ladies can get in free.