Rhythm and Blues Singer. The oldest of two children born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, her musical career began in 1960 when she signed with Scepter/Wand records. She recorded a handful of songs there, including "Voice of Experience" and "If You See Bill." In 1963, on James Brown's Try Me record label, she recorded the single "I Cried"/"If You Don't Think." In 1964 she recorded the single "If I Would Marry You"/"This Time Tomorrow" for Checker Records. In 1965, while singing onstage with Jerry Butler, she was noticed by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who promptly signed her. Songs such as "I Can't Believe You Love Me" and "Come On & See Me" brought modest success. Her big break came in 1967, when she met Marvin Gaye and they recorded duets including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love." That fall, while they sang the latter onstage at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, she collapsed into Marvin Gaye's arms. She was promptly hospitalized and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Two and a half years later, she died at Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital.
Rhythm and Blues Singer. The oldest of two children born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, her musical career began in 1960 when she signed with Scepter/Wand records. She recorded a handful of songs there, including "Voice of Experience" and "If You See Bill." In 1963, on James Brown's Try Me record label, she recorded the single "I Cried"/"If You Don't Think." In 1964 she recorded the single "If I Would Marry You"/"This Time Tomorrow" for Checker Records. In 1965, while singing onstage with Jerry Butler, she was noticed by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who promptly signed her. Songs such as "I Can't Believe You Love Me" and "Come On & See Me" brought modest success. Her big break came in 1967, when she met Marvin Gaye and they recorded duets including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love." That fall, while they sang the latter onstage at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, she collapsed into Marvin Gaye's arms. She was promptly hospitalized and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Two and a half years later, she died at Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital.
Bio by: Collins Crapo
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