Doris Troy

Doris Troy (January 6, 1937 - February 16, 2004) was an R&B singer, known to her many fans as "Mama Soul."

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January 6 - 1937 - February 16 - 2004

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She was born Doris Payne in The Bronx, the daughter of a Barbadian Pentecostal minister. Her parents disapproved of "subversive" forms of music like rhythm & blues, so she cut her teeth singing in her father's choir. She was working as an usherette at the Apollo where she was discovered by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

Related Topics:
The Bronx - Pentecostal - Rhythm & blues - Apollo - James Brown

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Troy worked with Solomon Burke, The Drifters, Cissy Houston, and Dionne Warwick before she co-wrote and recorded "Just One Look," which hit #10 in 1963. The song has been covered by The Hollies, Linda Ronstadt, Bryan Ferry, and Harry Nilsson. As her solo career peaked, she did back-up for the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd (famously singing on their seminal album Dark Side of the Moon), George Harrison, Dusty Springfield, and Carly Simon.

Related Topics:
Solomon Burke - The Drifters - Cissy Houston - Dionne Warwick - The Hollies - Linda Ronstadt - Bryan Ferry - Harry Nilsson - Rolling Stones - Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon - George Harrison - Dusty Springfield - Carly Simon

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"Mama, I Want To Sing," a musical based on her life, was co-written by her sister, Vy. It ran for 1,500 performances at the Heckscher Theatre in Harlem. Troy played her own mother, Geraldine. Chaka Khan played the young Doris.

Related Topics:
Harlem - Chaka Khan

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She died from emphysema at her Las Vegas, Nevada home.

Related Topics:
Emphysema - Las Vegas, Nevada

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