Gwen Guthrie facts for kids

Gwendolyn Guthrie (born July 9, 1950 – died February 3, 1999) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She was also a talented backup singer for many famous artists. These included Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Peter Tosh, and Madonna. Gwen also wrote songs that became popular hits for singers like Ben E. King, Angela Bofill, and Roberta Flack. She is especially remembered for her 1986 hit song "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent. She also had a hit with her cover of "(They Long to Be) Close to You" in the same year.

Gwen Guthrie's Early Life and Music Career

Gwen Guthrie was born and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. When she was young, she studied classical music in school. Her father started teaching her to play the piano when she was eight years old.

In the early 1970s, Gwen joined singing groups like the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers. At the same time, she worked as an elementary school teacher. She also sang backup on Aretha Franklin's song "I'm in Love" in 1974.

Writing Songs for Other Artists

Soon, Gwen started singing for TV and radio commercials. She sometimes worked with her friend Valerie Simpson from the famous group Ashford & Simpson. Gwen also began writing songs with her boyfriend at the time, Haras Fyre (also known as "Patrick Grant").

Together, they wrote "Supernatural Thing" for Ben E. King. This song became a number one R&B hit in 1975. They also wrote "Do It In the Name of Love" and "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" for Angela Bofill. Many other artists later sang "This Time I'll Be Sweeter."

Gwen and Haras also wrote seven songs for Sister Sledge's 1975 album Circle of Love. These songs included "Cross My Heart" and "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me." Gwen also wrote the song "God Don't Like Ugly" for Roberta Flack.

Gwen's Solo Music Journey

As Gwen Guthrie's solo career grew, she worked a lot with the music duo Sly and Robbie. She started having many hit songs in dance clubs. People called her "The First Lady of the Paradise Garage." This was a very famous nightclub where many of her songs became popular.

Gwen often performed at the Paradise Garage. She also worked with the club's famous DJ, Larry Levan. In 1983, she recorded her first big hit, "Padlock," in the Nassau, Bahamas. This song became a huge hit on the radio and in clubs a couple of years later. Gwen also sang backup on Madonna's first album in 1982.

Her Biggest Hits

Gwen Guthrie is probably best known for her 1986 dance song "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent." She wrote and produced this song herself. Some people talked about its lyrics, which included lines like, "You've got to have a j-o-b if you want to be with me/No romance without finance."

"Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent" was later used in songs by many hip hop artists. For example, Foxy Brown used parts of it in her 1998 song "JOB." The song is also mentioned in a comedy show by Eddie Murphy. In 1986, Gwen also had a hit with her cover of "(They Long to Be) Close to You." This song reached number twenty-five on the music charts in the UK.

Supporting Others

Gwen's 1988 song "Can't Love You Tonight" bravely talked about AIDS. At that time, this was a difficult topic to discuss. Gwen was a strong supporter of the gay community and people living with serious illnesses. Money from her song went to groups helping people with AIDS.

Other popular club songs by Gwen Guthrie included "Seventh Heaven," "Peanut Butter," and "Peek-a-Boo." The song "Padlock" was later covered by the group M People in 1995.

Gwen Guthrie's Passing

Gwen Guthrie passed away from cancer on February 3, 1999. She was 48 years old. She was buried at Fairmount Cemetery in Newark, New Jersey.

Gwen Guthrie's Music Albums

Studio albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Compilation Albums

• Ticket to Ride (1987, 4th & B'way)
• Ultimate Collection (1999, Hip-O)

Singles

See also

In Spanish: Gwen Guthrie para niños