Retta Young facts for kids

Retta Young (born in 1949) is an American singer. She is best known for her 1975 disco hit song, "Sending Out An S.O.S." This song was very popular. It reached the top charts in the U.S. and the UK. During the 1970s, she released one album and three singles.

About Retta Young

Retta Young worked with All Platinum Records. This record label helped create hit songs for her and other artists. These included The Moments and Sylvia. Retta Young was often supported by The Moments during her time with Platinum Records.

She also helped write some songs. These include "Hey Sad Boy," "Love & Affection," "Set My Heart from Misery," and "Stuck to You Like a Magnet."

Early Music Career

One of Retta Young's early songs was "Stuck To You Like a Magnet." It was registered for copyright in 1968. Henrietta Young, Bertha Addison, and Madge Quince were listed as the writers.

Singing with Devotion

In the early 1970s, Young joined a singing group called Devotion. The group was first known as The Superbs. Rhonda Franklin and Phillis Harris were also members.

Later, Devotion released the song "The Dawning of Love." It was backed with "So Glad You're Home." This song became a hit in 1970. It reached number 49 on the Billboard chart. It also reached number 41 on the Cash Box chart.

The group was even set to perform at the famous Apollo Theater. However, their lead singer had to go to the hospital. After this, the group changed its lineup. Retta Young, Bertha, and Madge Quince became the new members of Devotion.

Retta Young's first recording with Devotion was likely "The Saga of Will-E Jones" in 1971.

Solo Career

The 1970s: Her Big Hit

Retta Young's most famous song, "Sending Out An S.O.S.", came out in 1975. It was released on the All Platinum label. Al Goodman and Harry Ray from The Moments helped produce it.

The song quickly became popular. In June 1975, it was a top song in New York discos. Record stores in New York also reported high sales for the song.

Retta Young traveled to London to promote her song. She even performed "Sending Out An S.O.S." on the TV show Top of the Pops.

The song reached number 88 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart. It also hit number 74 on the Cash Box Top 100 R&B chart. In the UK, it reached number 28 on the UK Singles Chart.

More Music and Tours

In late 1975, Retta Young toured the UK with other All Platinum artists. These included The Moments and Shirley & Co.. They performed in many cities, including Liverpool and London. She also performed in Belgium in November 1975.

Retta Young contributed to the soundtrack of the 1975 film Patty. Her song "Look at Me" was featured in the movie. She also sang backing vocals on Chuck Jackson's album Needing You Wanting You in 1975.

In 1977, her album was played on a radio show in Los Angeles. Her singles "My Man Is on His Way" and "Really, Really" were released in 1978.

Later Years

In 2004, a song called "Queen" by Chief Kamachi used a sample from Retta Young's album Young and Restless.

Her song "My Man Is on His Way" was included on a compilation album called Disco: A Fine Selection of Independent Disco, Modern Soul and Boogie 1978-82. This song also became popular in the Northern Soul music scene.

In 2017, Retta Young's album Young and Restless was re-released. It was available on both vinyl records and CDs. The CD version included extra songs not on the original album.

Personal Life

Retta Young was married to Al Goodman. He was a member of the group Ray, Goodman & Brown. Al Goodman passed away in 2010.

Discography