Lois Reeves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lois Reeves
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Reeves in 2004
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Sandra Delores Reeves |
| Born | April 12, 1948 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1967–present |
Lois Reeves, born Sandra Delores Reeves on April 12, 1948, is an American singer. She is famous for being the younger sister of Motown star Martha Reeves. Lois joined her sister's group, Martha and the Vandellas, in 1967. She replaced Betty Kelly and became a key part of the group. Later, in the 1970s, Lois sang background vocals for Al Green with her group Quiet Elegance. People sometimes called her "Pee Wee" because she is 5 feet 1 inch tall.
Contents
Lois Reeves: A Motown Singer
Early Life and Family
Lois Reeves grew up in a big family with 11 children. Her parents, Elijah Joshua Reeves and Ruby Lee Gilmore, loved music. They sang and played the guitar, sharing their passion with their kids. The family moved from Eufaula, Alabama to Detroit, Michigan, when Martha was very young.
Lois's grandfather, Reverend Elijah Reeves, was a minister. The family was very active in their church and sang in the church choir. This early exposure to music helped shape Lois's future as a singer.
Joining Martha and the Vandellas
After finishing high school, Lois started traveling with her older sister, Martha Reeves. Martha was already famous with her group, the Vandellas. Lois watched their shows from backstage almost every night. She learned all the songs and dance moves perfectly.
One night, something unexpected happened. Lois, who was barely 18, was asked to join the group. She replaced Betty Kelly as a member of the Vandellas. Lois also helped the group with business tasks. She managed their bookings, hotel stays, and travel plans.
Even though she wasn't directly signed to Motown Records, Lois sang on many Vandellas' hits. These included "Love Bug Leave My Heart Alone" and "Honey Chile". At this time, the group was known as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Lois was the youngest member of the Vandellas. She performed with them in Japan, the UK, and Spain. She also performed when the group opened at the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York. Lois appeared with the group on The Mike Douglas Show in 1968 and Soul Train in 1971.
Lois and Rosalind Ashford, an original Vandellas member, often shared background singing duties. They sometimes sang with The Andantes, another group that helped create the Motown sound. Lois sang on Vandellas' songs like "I Should Be Proud" and "Bless You". She also sang on their final album, Black Magic, released in 1972. Lois also helped create the group's dance routines. Martha Reeves thought Lois and Sandra Tilley were the best dancers in the group.
Singing with Quiet Elegance
When the Vandellas group split up, Lois joined a new background singing group called Quiet Elegance. This group was formed in 1971. They sang backup for Al Green on many of his popular songs in the 1970s. Some of these songs include "Call Me," "Livin' for You," and "L-O-V-E."
Quiet Elegance also worked with The Temptations. Members of The Temptations, Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams, helped start Quiet Elegance. In 1972, a music producer named Willie Mitchell saw Quiet Elegance perform. He signed them to a record deal. The group toured with both Al Green and Engelbert Humperdinck. Quiet Elegance stopped performing together in 1977.
Later Years and Legacy
In the late 1970s, Lois took a break from singing. She opened a nightclub in Detroit with her husband at the time. A few years later, she closed the business and got divorced. She then returned to singing with her sisters, Martha and Delphine, as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
In 1990, Lois released a song called "Patience Is a Virtue." She also released "Sweet Temptation" for the Ian Levine's Motorcity project. "Patience Is a Virtue" is featured on the Ladies Of Soul 2 Motorcity album.
Lois continues to sing with her sisters Martha and Delphine as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Her important work with the Vandellas led to her being honored. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. She also joined The Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.
Lois still lives in Detroit, near her family. She sometimes works as a consultant for the NAACP Detroit Chapter. She has also been involved with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, Lois attended a big celebration for Motown Records' 50th anniversary.
