Margie Hendrix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Margie Hendrix |
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| Birth name | Marjorie Hendrix |
| Born | March 13, 1938 Register, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | July 14, 1973 (aged 35) New York City, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1954-1970 |
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| Associated acts | The Cookies (1956–1958) The Raelettes (1958–1964) |
Marjorie "Margie" Hendrix (March 13, 1938 – July 14, 1973) was an American rhythm and blues singer. She was a founding member of the Raelettes, who were the backing singers for the famous musician Ray Charles.
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Early Life and The Cookies
Margie Hendrix was born on March 13, 1938, in Statesboro, Georgia. Her parents were Kattie and Renzy Hendrix. From a young age, Margie loved music. She sang, played the piano, and even directed her local church choir before she was a teenager.
In the early 1950s, Margie moved to New York City. She signed a record deal with Lamp Records in 1954. She released her first songs, "Everything," "Good Treatment," and "Every Time." However, these songs did not become popular hits. She left the record label in 1955.
In 1956, Margie joined a music group called the Cookies. She became a member alongside Dorothy Jones and Darlene McCrea. The group signed with Atlantic Records. They had a big hit song called "In Paradise," which reached #9 on the R&B music charts. The Cookies also worked as session singers at Atlantic Records. This is where they met Ray Charles. In 1958, Margie and Darlene McCrea left The Cookies. They later formed a new group called The Raelettes. This group became Ray Charles's backing singers.
The Raelettes and Ray Charles's Music
In October 1958, Ray Charles recorded his first song with The Raelettes. The song was "Night Time Is the Right Time." It became a big hit, reaching #5 on the R&B charts. Margie's powerful singing on this song was widely recognized.
The Raelettes continued to sing with Ray Charles. In 1964, The Raelettes released a song called "A Lover's Blues." Margie sang the main vocals on this track. This was the last song she recorded with Ray Charles. In July 1964, during a tour in Europe, Margie left The Raelettes after a disagreement.
Margie Hendrix's Later Life and Passing
Margie Hendrix passed away in New York City on July 14, 1973. She was 35 years old. The exact reason for her death is not known because no official investigation was done. She is buried at New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Register, Georgia.
Margie Hendrix in Movies
Margie Hendrix's life was shown in the 2004 movie Ray. This film was about the life of Ray Charles. Actress Regina King played the role of Margie in the movie. Regina King won awards for her performance, including an NAACP Image Award and a Satellite Award.
