Gwen McCrae facts for kids

Gwen McCrae (born Gwen Mosley, December 21, 1943 – February 2025) was an American singer. She was best known for her big hit song, "Rockin' Chair", which came out in 1975.

Gwen McCrae's Musical Journey

Early Life and Start in Music

Gwen Mosley was born on December 21, 1943. She was the youngest of five children. As a teenager, she started singing in local clubs. She also sang with groups like the Lafayettes and the Independents.

In 1963, she met a sailor named George McCrae. They got married just one week later. Gwen and George began recording music together as a duo. They soon signed a record deal with Henry Stone's TK Records. In 1967, singer Betty Wright helped them join Stone's Alston record label.

Rising to Fame in the 1970s

Gwen started recording as a solo artist with TK's Cat label. She had her first success in 1970. Her cover of Bobby Bland's "Lead Me On" became popular on the U.S. R&B charts. This was followed by another hit, "For Your Love".

After her husband George had a huge hit with "Rock Your Baby", Gwen also found major success. In March 1975, her song "Rockin' Chair" became a big 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 recorded the song "Always on My Mind". This song later became famous through versions by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and the Pet Shop Boys. Many other artists have also covered it.

Music in the 1980s and 1990s

After TK Records closed down, Gwen McCrae moved to New Jersey. She signed with Atlantic Records. There, she recorded two albums. One of her songs, "Funky Sensation", reached number 22 on the R&B chart in 1981. In 1982, she had another R&B hit called "Keep the Fire Burning".

Gwen kept recording music. Some of her older songs were popular in the UK's Northern Soul music scene. This helped her stay popular for live shows in Europe. She later moved back to Florida in the United States. In 1984, she recorded a single called "Do You Know What I Mean". After that, she took a break from music for a while.

In 1987, McCrae went to the UK to record some singles for Rhythm King Records. She also recorded an album called Girlfriend's Boyfriend in 1996 for a British label. When she returned to the U.S., she signed with Goldwax. This label was connected to Ichiban Records. She then recorded another album, Psychic Hot Line.

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

Later Career and Legacy

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

In 2005, Gwen worked with the Soulpower organization. This group helps bring back artists like Marva Whitney and Lyn Collins. Her work with Soulpower led to many live performances with the Soulpower All-Stars. She also appeared on songs by Sounding Rick in 2007 and 2009.

Gwen McCrae released her last single, "Now I Found Love," in December 2010. It was produced by Steve Sola and composed by David Seagal.

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

Gwen McCrae passed away in February 2025 at the age of 81. Her music continues to be enjoyed by many fans around the world.

See also

• List of soul musicians
• List of disco artists (F–K)
• List of acts who appeared on American Bandstand
• List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart
• List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States