Lorraine Ellison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorraine Ellison
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marybelle Luraine Ellison |
| Born | March 17, 1931 Philadelphia, United States |
| Died | January 31, 1983 (aged 51) |
| Genres | Soul, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1964–1976 |
| Labels | Mercury Records Warner Bros. Records Loma Records |
Lorraine Ellison (born March 17, 1931 – died January 31, 1983) was an American soul singer and songwriter. She is most famous for her powerful song "Stay with Me", which became a big hit in 1966. Her music was known for its strong emotions and amazing vocals.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and Music
Lorraine Ellison was born Marybelle Luraine Ellison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She came from a family that loved music. Lorraine started singing in churches when she was just six years old. She also attended John Bartram High School.
In the early 1960s, Lorraine sang gospel music, which is a type of religious music. She was part of groups like the Ellison Singers and the Golden Chords. In 1963, she even performed with the Golden Chords on an album called Introducing The Sweet Chariot. She also sang at the Festival of the Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
Rising to Fame
In 1964, Lorraine decided to switch to R&B music. This style of music combines elements of rhythm and blues, soul, and pop. Her first song released as an R&B artist was "I Dig You Baby" in 1965. It was released on Mercury Records and became a hit, reaching number 22 on the US Billboard R&B chart.
After releasing another song with Mercury, she signed with Warner Bros. Records. In 1966, she recorded her most famous song, "Stay with Me". This recording happened at the last minute because another artist, Frank Sinatra, cancelled his studio time. "Stay with Me" was a huge success. It reached number 11 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and number 64 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written and produced by Jerry Ragovoy.
Later Career and Legacy
"Stay with Me" became Lorraine Ellison's signature song. This means it was the song she was most known for. She released other songs, including "Heart Be Still" in 1967, which was also a minor hit. She also recorded "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)", a song that Janis Joplin later made even more famous.
Lorraine Ellison was also a songwriter. She wrote some of her own songs, sometimes with her manager and husband, Sam Bell. Other artists, like Jerry Butler, Garnet Mimms, Howard Tate, and Dee Dee Warwick, recorded songs that Lorraine had written.
After leaving Warner Bros., Lorraine recorded a few more songs that were never officially released. She eventually stopped working in the music business to take care of her mother. However, she continued to sing in church. Lorraine Ellison passed away in January 1983 from a type of cancer called ovarian cancer. She was 51 years old.
Discography
Lorraine Ellison released several albums and singles during her career. Here are some of her main releases:
Studio Albums
- Heart & Soul (1966)
- Stay with Me (1969)
- Lorraine Ellison (1974)
Compilation Albums
- The Best of Philadelphia's Queen (1976)
- Stay with Me: The Best of Lorraine Ellison (1995)
- Sister Love: The Warner Bros. Recordings (2006)
Singles
Her most famous single was "Stay with Me" (1966). Other notable singles include:
- "I Dig You Baby" (1965)
- "Heart Be Still" (1967)
- "Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)" (1968)
