Inez and Charlie Foxx facts for kids

Inez Foxx (born September 9, 1937 – died August 25, 2022) and her older brother Charlie Foxx (born October 23, 1933 – died September 18, 1998) were an American rhythm and blues and soul singing duo. They came from Greensboro, North Carolina. Inez was the main singer, while Charlie sang back-up and played guitar. Many people mistakenly thought they were husband and wife, but they were actually siblings.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Inez and Charlie Foxx were both born in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their parents were John and Peggy Fox. Charlie was born in 1933, and Inez was born in 1937. They later changed their professional last name to Foxx, adding an extra 'x'.

Charlie Foxx started singing in a gospel choir when he was a child in the early 1950s. His sister Inez later joined him. In 1960, Inez went to New York City to record music. She used her married name at the time, Inez Johnston, but her songs were not very successful.

"Mockingbird" and Rising Fame

In early 1963, Inez and Charlie met Henry 'Juggy' Murray, who owned Sue Records. They sang their own version of the old lullaby "Hush, Little Baby" for him. The song was renamed "Mockingbird" and was released in June 1963.

"Mockingbird" became a huge hit! It reached the top 10 on both the US rhythm and blues and pop charts. It was their most successful song, selling over one million copies. This earned them a gold disc from the RIAA. Many famous artists later sang their own versions of "Mockingbird," including Aretha Franklin, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Dusty Springfield, and Etta James.

Continuing Their Musical Journey

After "Mockingbird," the record company wanted to promote Inez Foxx as a solo singer. So, later songs were released under her name, even if Charlie was also singing on them. It was hard for them to have another hit as big as "Mockingbird." However, songs like "Ask Me" and "Hurt by Love" did appear on the US charts. "Hurt by Love" also reached the UK singles chart.

In 1966, the duo joined Musicor Records. They had another pop chart hit in 1967 with "(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count the Days." Inez and Charlie Foxx were known for their exciting live shows. They toured a lot in Europe. Their music was very important in the development of the Northern soul music style, where their song "Tightrope" was very popular.

Inez Foxx married songwriter and producer Luther Dixon in the late 1960s. They worked together to write songs. Luther Dixon produced their 1967 album Come By Here.

Later Years and Legacy

Inez also had some success recording music by herself starting in 1969. However, her popularity began to fade in the 1970s. Charlie was already working as a songwriter and record producer when they stopped performing as a duo. Inez continued to record as a solo singer for Volt Records in the 1970s.

Charlie Foxx passed away from leukemia in 1998 at the age of 64. Inez Foxx passed away in Los Angeles on August 25, 2022, at the age of 84. Their music continues to be enjoyed by fans of rhythm and blues and soul.

Chart Hits

Albums

• Mockingbird (1964)
• Come By Here (1967)
• Greatest Hits (1968)
• Inez & Charlie Foxx's Swinging Mockin' Band (1968) (an instrumental album by their backing band)
• Inez Foxx At Memphis (1973) (Inez Foxx solo album)
• Inez & Charlie Foxx (1983)