Died On This Date (January 7, 2014) Maureen Gray / Philly Sound Singer & Songwriter
themusicsover Maureen Gray
DOB Unknown – January 7, 2014
Maureen Gray was a beloved soul singer whose strong and impassioned voice exemplified what became known as the Philly Sound. Born in New York City, Gray was just five years old when she made her professional debut at Carnegie Hall. She sang just one song that night, “Steam Heat” from Pajama Game, and received her first standing ovation. At just 12 years old, she came to the attention of Chancellor Records who released her first record, “Today’s The Day,” which became an instant hit in the Philly area, making her the envy of her classmates. Later, she had a Billboard charting hit with “Dancin’ The Strand,” and several other marginal hits. Gary went on to be an in-demand session singer, recording with the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Bob Marley, David Bowie, George Harrison, and John Lennon. Maureen Gray was 65 when she died of a rare bile duct cancer on January 7, 2014.
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