Mary Wilson was a singer, stage performer, activist, humanitarian, author and a founding member of one of the most successful groups in recording history, The Supremes. Wilson played an active role throughout the 1960s and 1970s in creating the blueprint for future generations of black … Read MoreMary Wilson (1944-2021)
James Victor Scott, born July 17, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio to Arthur and Justine Stanard Scott, was a jazz vocalist known as “Little” Jimmy Scott. Due to a rare genetic condition (Kallmann’s syndrome), Scott sang with an unusually high contralto voice. The condition also stunted … Read MoreJimmy Scott (1925-2014)
The Flamingos are broadly respected as one of the most talented doo-wop and rhythm and blues vocal groups of the 20th Century. Their style made an enormous impact on genres such as pop and soul. Though they were unable to consistently top the charts, the … Read MoreThe Flamingos (1951- )
The Drifters were formed in 1953 to serve as backing for Clyde McPhatter. Over 65 years and several eras of Drifters, there have been 60 different vocalists including several splinter groups called the Drifters. The “original” group consisted of Clyde McPhatter, Gerhart Thrasher, Andrew Thrasher, … Read MoreThe Drifters (1953- )
Martha Reeves, one of Ruby and Elijah Reeves’s eleven children, was born in Eufaula, Alabama on July 18, 1941. Before her first birthday, they moved to Detroit, Michigan. She grew up performing at her father’s Methodist church, and was vocally trained by Abraham Silver while … Read MoreMartha and the Vandellas (1960-1974)
Della Reese, born Delloresse Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, is best known for her work as a blues and gospel singer, minister, and later as an actress. Reese was born to Richard Thaddeus Early, an African American steelworker, and Nellie Mitchelle Early, a Cherokee cook. … Read MoreDella Reese (1931-2017)
Tammi Terrell is best known as one of Motown’s great talents although her short life was full of tragedy. Romantic and physically abusive relationships with James Brown and David Ruffin may have cut short a career that included many classic duets with Marvin Gaye. Brain cancer took her life only a month … Read MoreTammi Terrell (1945-1970)
Arthur Lee Conley was born on January 4, 1946 in McIntosh County, Georgia but grew up in Atlanta. At the age of 12 he was part of a gospel group that appeared frequently on the local radio station, WAOK. By 1963 at the age of 17, he led the R&B group … Read MoreArthur Conley (1946-1988)
R&B singer LaVern Baker was born Delores LaVern Evans in Chicago, Illinois on November 11, 1929. Baker was described as one of the most eccentric, beautiful divas of her time. Although her actual music career wouldn’t begin until 1949 she first began singing in Chicago as early as 1946 … Read MoreLaVern Baker (1929-1997)
