Gwen McCrae facts for kids

Gwendolyn Patricia McCrae (born Mosley, December 21, 1943 – February 21, 2025) was an American singer. She was famous for her 1975 hit song "Rockin' Chair". People in the music world called her the "Queen of Rare Groove."

Gwen McCrae's soulful voice was used in many songs by other artists. Big names like Lady Gaga and Avicii have sampled her music. She had hit songs in both the U.S.A. and Europe. She was especially popular in Europe. McCrae performed regularly until 2012.

Early Life and Music Career

Growing Up and Starting Out

Gwendolyn Patricia Mosley was born on December 21, 1943. She grew up in Pensacola, Florida. She was the youngest of five children. Her mother raised them after their father passed away early.

As a teenager, Gwen began singing in local clubs. She also sang with groups like the Lafayettes. In 1963, she met and married George McCrae. They had two children together.

First Recordings and Big Hits

Gwen and George McCrae started recording music as a duo. They signed a contract with Henry Stone's TK Records. In 1967, singer Betty Wright helped them join Stone's Alston record label.

Gwen then started recording as a solo artist. She had success on the U.S. R&B charts. Her cover of "Lead Me On" was a hit in 1970. "For Your Love" followed soon after.

After her husband George had a big hit with "Rock Your Baby," Gwen also found major success. In March 1975, her song "Rockin' Chair" became a huge hit. It reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit number one on the R&B chart. Her next song, "Love Insurance," also did well on the R&B chart.

In 1972, Gwen McCrae recorded "Always on My Mind." This song later became very popular. Famous artists like Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson covered it.

Later Career and Legacy

Moving Labels and New Sounds

After TK Records closed, McCrae moved to New Jersey. She signed with Atlantic Records. There, she recorded two albums. Her song "Funky Sensation" reached #22 on the R&B chart in 1981. In 1982, "Keep the Fire Burning" was another R&B hit.

Some of her older songs became popular in the UK. This helped her stay a popular live performer in Europe. McCrae later moved back to Florida. She took a break from music for a while.

In 1987, McCrae recorded new songs in the UK. She also made an album called Girlfriend's Boyfriend in 1996. After returning to the U.S., she recorded another album, Psychic Hot Line.

Music Samples and Gospel Music

In 1999, the French house music group Cassius released "Feeling for You." This song used parts of McCrae's "All This Love That I'm Giving." It became a Top 20 hit in the UK. Her song "Funky Sensation" was also sampled in a German song called "Get Up."

In 2004, McCrae released her first gospel album. In 2008, DJ Madlib released a song called "Gamble on Ya Boy." It used a sample from McCrae's song "I Found Love."

McCrae continued to perform live. She worked with the Soulpower organization. This group helped other famous soul singers return to the stage. In December 2010, she released her last single, "Now I Found Love."

Later Years

In June 2012, Gwen McCrae had a stroke after a performance in England. This caused her left side to become paralyzed. She was no longer able to walk.

Gwen McCrae passed away on February 21, 2025. She was 81 years old. She died at a care home in Miami. Her music continues to inspire many artists today.

Discography

Albums

Singles

See also

• List of soul musicians
• List of disco artists (F–K)