Doris Troy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Doris Troy
Background information
Birth name	Doris Elaine Higginsen
Also known as	Doris Payne
Born	(1937-01-06)January 6, 1937
Origin	The Bronx, New York City
Died	February 16, 2004(2004-02-16) (aged 67) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Genres	R&B, Doo-wop
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1962–1974
Labels	Apple, Atlantic, People
Associated acts	Pink Floyd, Cissy Houston, Dee Dee Warwick, Barbara Lewis

Doris Troy (born Doris Elaine Higginsen; January 6, 1937 – February 16, 2004) was an American R&B singer and songwriter. Many of her fans called her "Mama Soul." Her most famous song was "Just One Look", which became a top 10 hit in 1963.

Doris Troy's Early Life and Music Journey

Doris Elaine Higginsen was born in the Bronx, a part of New York City. Her father was a Pentecostal minister from Barbados. Her parents did not like certain types of music, like rhythm and blues. So, Doris started singing in her father's church choir.

When she was 16, she worked as an usher at the famous Apollo Theater. There, she was discovered by the legendary singer James Brown. Doris later used her grandmother's name, becoming Doris Payne. She began writing songs and earned money for a hit song called "How About That" in 1960.

Becoming a Professional Singer

Doris began working in the music industry as a backup singer. She sang for Atlantic Records with famous singers like Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick. In 1963, she was also part of a group called The Sweet Inspirations. This group included Cissy Houston and the Warwick sisters.

Doris chose her stage name, Doris Troy, from the ancient Greek story of Helen of Troy. She sang backup for many artists, including Solomon Burke and the Drifters. Then, she helped write and record her biggest hit, "Just One Look". This song reached number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963.

The Story Behind "Just One Look"

"Just One Look" was Doris Troy's only song to become a big hit in the US. She recorded the song very quickly, in just 10 minutes, in October 1962. It was meant to be a demo, which is a trial recording, for Atlantic Records. However, the record company loved the demo so much that they decided to release it exactly as it was.

The musicians who played on the song were Ernie Hayes on organ, Wally Richardson on guitar, Bob Bushnell on bass, and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie on drums. Many other artists have since covered this song, including The Hollies, Linda Ronstadt, and Bryan Ferry. Doris Troy also had a song called "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" that reached number 37 on the UK Singles Chart in 1964.

Working with Famous Artists

In 1969, Doris Troy moved to London, England. There, The Beatles signed her to their record label, Apple Records. The next year, she released her album called Doris Troy. George Harrison from The Beatles helped produce this album with her.

Doris continued to work in the UK during the 1970s. She performed at famous clubs and recorded a live album. Even though her solo songs didn't always sell well, she kept singing backup for many artists.

Singing for Rock Legends

Doris Troy lent her voice to some of the most famous songs in music history. She sang on The Rolling Stones' song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" in 1969. She also contributed vocals to Pink Floyd's classic album The Dark Side of the Moon. Another famous song she sang on was Carly Simon's "You're So Vain".

She also sang for other well-known musicians and bands, such as Humble Pie, George Harrison, Dusty Springfield, and Nick Drake.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1974, Doris Troy moved back to the United States from England. She continued to perform in casinos and nightclubs.

A stage musical called Mama, I Want to Sing was created based on her life. Doris co-wrote this musical with her sister, Vy Higginsen. The show was very popular and ran for 1,500 performances in New York City. In the musical, Doris even played the role of her own mother, Geraldine. Famous singers like Chaka Khan and Deniece Williams also performed in the London version of the musical.

Later, Mama, I Want to Sing! was made into a movie. It starred Ciara, Patti LaBelle, and Hill Harper. The movie was released on DVD in 2012.

Doris Troy passed away from emphysema at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada, when she was 67 years old. Her music and life story continue to inspire many.

Discography

Studio albums

• Sings Just One Look & Other Memorable Selections (1963)
• Doris Troy (1970)
• Rainbow Testament (1972)
• Stretching Out (1974)

Singles

See also

In Spanish: Doris Troy para niños