Singer

Died On This Date (July 6, 2010) Harvey Fuqua / R&B Legend

Harvey Fuqua
July 27, 1929 – July 6, 2010

Harvey Fuqua was a much respected R&B performer, songwriter and producer who is mostly remembered for his longtime association with Motown Records. In 1951, Fuqua formed the Moonglows, a popular doo wop group who recorded such hits as “Sincerely,” “Don’t Be Afraid of Love,” and “Ten Commandments of Love.”  In 1958, Fuqua recruited a young singer, Marvin Gaye, whom he helped build his early career.  The Moonglows were eventually elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  After leaving the group, Fuqua formed his own label, the one-time home to the likes of the Spinners, Shorty Long, and Junior Walker.   By the end of the ’60s, he was working as an A&R man and producer at Motown, where he made significant contributions to the success of the label.  In later years, he produced hits for the like os Sylvester, the Weather Girls and again, Marvin Gaye.  Harvey Fuqua was 80 when he died of a heart attack on July 6, 2010.

What You Should Own

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Moonglows - The Moonglows

Died On This Date (July 6, 1979) Van McCoy / Had Hit With “The Hustle”

Van McCoy
January 6, 1940 – July 6, 1979

Van McCoy was a musician, producer, arranger and prolific songwriter who has penned upwards of 700 songs during his career.  But, he is perhaps best remembered for just one, “The Hustle,” which was massive disco hit of 1975 and to this day, arguably defines the era.  McCoy began singing in the church choir as a child and by his early teens, he and his brother were performing as a doo wop duo.  While in college, McCoy started his own record label to release his first single, “Hey Mr. DJ.”  He was soon hired by Scepter Records as an A&R rep and songwriter.  Over the years, he penned hits for Gladys Knight & The Pips (“Giving Up”), Barbara Lewis (“Baby, I’m Yours”), the Shirelles (“Stop The Music”) and Jackie Wilson (“I Get The Sweetest Feeling”) to name just a few.  Van McCoy died of a heart attack at the age of 39.

What You Should Own

The Hustle and the Best of Van McCoy - Van McCoy

Died On This Date (July 5, 2001) Ernie K-Doe / New Orleans R&B Star

Ernie K-Doe (Born Ernest Kador)
February 22, 1936 – July 5, 2001

Ernie_K-DoeNew Orleans born, Ernie K-Doe was best known for his huge #1 hit, “Mother-In-Law,” released in 1961.  A colorful performer, K-Doe was a popular draw in and around Louisiana for many years.  During the ’80s, K-Doe hosted a popular New Orleans radio program.  Ernie K-Doe passed away in 2001 at the age of 65.

What You Should Own

Ernie K-Doe

Died On This Date (July 5, 2005) Shirley Goodman / Shirley & Lee

Shirley Goodman
June 19, 1936 – July 5, 2005

shirleyandleeShirley Goodman was an R&B singer who, with Lee Leonard, performed as Shirley & Lee during the 1950s.  Their first single, 1952’s “I’m Gone” reached #2 on the R&B charts and is considered by some scholars as an early influence on ska.   In 1956, their recording of “Let the Good Times Roll” topped the R&B charts and made it into the top 20 of the pop charts.  Shirley & Lee broke up in 1962 after which Goodman sang on records by the likes of Sonny & Cher and Dr. John.  She had a dance hit with “Shame Shame Shame,” in 1974.  Shirley Goodman, 69, passed away on July 5, 2005.

What You Should Own

Shirley & Lee

Died On This Date (July 4, 2003) Barry White / Soul Icon

Barry White (Born Barrence Carter)
September 12, 1944 – July 4, 2003

BarryA young Barry White was going down a wrong path when he heard Elvis Presley on the radio while serving four months in prison for burglary.  He was seventeen at the time, and music became his salvation.   After leaving gang life behind, White became a successful songwrither, producer, arranger and performer.  In 1969, White hit gold by producing a group called Love Unlimited Orchestra.  A string of hits followed, with their “Love’s Theme” hitting the top of the pop charts in 1974 becoming, arguably, the first disco hit ever.  White’s rich bass voice would become synonymous  with all that was sexy in the ’70s and beyond.  Hits like “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Baby” and “Never, Never Give You Up” followed and endeared him to fans thanks to his romantic blend of soul and orchestra.  His career slowed down somewhat during the ’80s and part of the ’90s until he was introduced to a whole new generation thanks to an animated appearance in a 1993 episode of The Simpsons.  A handful of hits followed throughout the ’90s, as did numerous placements of his songs on popular television shows, including Alley McBeal on which he appeared twice.  He was awarded two Grammys for 1999 release, Staying Power.  White was plagued with health problems in his later years due in part to high blood pressure.  He suffered a stroke in May of 2003 and passed away two months later.  He was 58.

What You Should Own

Barry White: All-Time Greatest Hits - Barry White