Kendra Spotswood facts for kids

Kendra Spotswood is an American soul singer. Many people think she is one of the most talented singers from the "girl group" era. She is well-known for working with Van McCoy. She was also a member of The Shirelles. Her song "You're Gonna Make Me Love You" is very popular in the UK's Northern soul music scene. She recorded this song using the name Sandi Sheldon.

Kendra Spotswood's Music Career

Kendra Spotswood began her music career in 1963 when she was 18 years old. She started by singing backup for a group called the Four Buddies. Their song was "Lonely Summer."

Later that year, she released her first solo song, "Can't He Take a Hint." She used the name Kenni Woods for this song. Her next song was "Back with My Baby." Famous singers like Dee Dee Warwick, Cissy Houston, and Doris Troy sang backup for her.

From 1964 to 1966, Spotswood toured with a popular group called The Shirelles. Even though she toured with them, she did not record any songs with them. This was because she had a contract with another record company. During this time, she worked with Van McCoy, who was her boyfriend. They wrote several songs together. They used different names for these songs. Some of these names included the Pacettes and the Fantastic Vantastics.

In 1965, she released "Stickin' With My Baby." This was the only song released using her real name. She also sang backup for Barbara Lewis on her song Baby I'm Yours (Barbara Lewis song).

Northern Soul Music Fame

In 1967, Kendra Spotswood used the name Sandi Sheldon for her song "You're Gonna Make Me Love You." This song was released on the Okeh label. It did not become popular right away. In 1968, she released another song called "Touch My Heart." This song was credited to the Vonettes. After this, she moved to Atlanta and stopped making music.

Years later, in the 1970s, "You're Gonna Make Me Love You" became very popular. It was rediscovered by fans of Northern soul music. One story says that a famous DJ, John Peel, sold some records. One of these records was Kendra's song. Another DJ, "Froggy" Taylor, then played it at a popular club called The Twisted Wheel.

Another story comes from Northern soul DJ Ian Levine. He says that DJ Rob Bellars bought the song in California. He brought it back to the UK. There, it became a very rare and fast Northern soul classic. The song was loved by many people. It is still a favorite in the Northern soul music scene today. People call it one of the "crown jewels" of the Northern soul clubs.

For many years, no one knew where Kendra Spotswood was or what her real name was. Eventually, she found out about her song's popularity. She then started performing live again for her fans.