Gwen McCrae, the iconic funk and soul singer, passed away at the age of 81 in Miami, Florida, after a prolonged illness. Born Gwen Mosley in Pensacola, Florida, McCrae became a pivotal figure in the world of soul and R&B music. Her journey began in a church-going musical family where she started singing in the choir at just seven years old. Her early exposure to music laid the foundation for a career that would resonate with generations.
As a teenager, McCrae's passion for music led her to perform in local clubs with groups such as The Lafayettes and The Independents. Her talent soon shone brightly, and in 1970, she tasted success on the R&B chart with her solo single "Lead Me On." Two years later, she released "Always on My Mind," a track that would achieve greater fame when covered by other artists.
The personal and professional partnership between McCrae and George McCrae began quickly when they married within a week of meeting. The couple signed with TK Records, a label that later became synonymous with the disco era. Gwen McCrae's contribution to this period included recording an album of covers featuring TK's biggest hits with producer George "Chocolate" Perry, including the notable "Please Don't Go."
Her solo career flourished with the 1975 soul hit "Rockin' Chair," which solidified her status as the "queen of the rare groove." McCrae's music continues to influence and inspire modern artists, with her catalogue being sampled by stars such as Lady Gaga, Cassius, Avicii, Madlib, Cypress Hill, and Mobb Deep.
In 2012, McCrae suffered a stroke that significantly impacted her ability to make music and sing. Despite this setback, her legacy endured, and she remained beloved by fans and fellow musicians alike. Tributes have poured in from around the world following her passing. Artists such as Disclosure and Dave Pearce have honored her memory. Pearce expressed his grief and gratitude by saying:
"Sad to learn of the passing of soul legend Gwen McCrae – thanks for all the amazing tunes…" – Dave Pearce
McCrae's rich alto voice was often described as having retained the essence of her church roots while embracing the vibrant pop and soul culture of the 1970s. Soul Tracks captured this sentiment eloquently:
"Her rich alto voice sounded like she was still singing in church, but the lyrics were pure 70s pop/soul," – Soul Tracks
Throughout her career, McCrae's passion for performing never waned. She once shared:
"The only time I'm really happy is when I'm on that stage, in front of my audience," – Gwen McCrae
"Then I'm the happiest woman in the world." – Gwen McCrae
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