Varetta Dillard
Varetta Dillard (born February 3, 1933 in Harlem , New York City , † October 4, 1993 in Brooklyn , New York City) was an American rhythm and blues singer.
Dillard is considered to be one of the best 'unknown' rhythm and blues shouters of the early 1950s. She won two popular amateur competitions at the Apollo Theater. She worked as a solo artist and as a duo together with singer and pianist H-Bomb Ferguson . In 1951 she got her first record deal, a year later Easy, Easy, Baby and shortly after Mercy, Mr. Percy . This song should become their trademark.
In the mid-1950s, her popularity increased through songs for deceased artists. It produced Johnny Has Gone in 1955 in memory of Johnny Ace , who died young, and I Miss You Jimmy hit record stores the following year after the accidental death of James Dean . After changing the record company several times, various club appearances and increasing unsuccessfulness, she ended her solo career in 1961 and appeared in her husband's gospel choir, the Tri-Odds .
In the 1960s, Varetta Dillard began to deal with the therapeutic possibilities of music and worked as a music therapist for socially disadvantaged children and adolescents.
Web links
- Biography at Allmusic Guide (English)
- Discography of Varetta Dillards at Wangdangdula.com (English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Dillard, Varetta |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American rhythm and blues singer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | February 3, 1933 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Harlem , New York City , USA |
| DATE OF DEATH | 4th October 1993 |
| Place of death | Brooklyn , New York City , USA |