Soul-Funk Singer Gwen McCrae, ‘Queen Of Rare Groove,’ Dies At 81
Gwen McCrae, known as “The Queen of Rare Groove,” has passed away at the age of 81. McCrae started her career with her husband, George McCrae, in 1963, but found success with dance-focused records that promoted a “Miami sound.”
Her biggest hit, “Rockin’ Chair,” reached #9 on the Billboard pop charts, and she continued to release hits like “90% Of Me Is You” and “All This Love That I’m Givin’.” McCrae’s recording career declined after TK Studios and the label went under in the early 1980s, but she found success through live performances in the UK.
Despite facing health challenges, McCrae continued to tour until 2012 when she suffered a stroke while performing in England, which eventually led to her passing from a long-time illness.
Source: Black Enterprise