Sugar Pie DeSanto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sugar Pie DeSanto |
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DeSanto in 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Peylia Marsema Balinton |
| Born | October 16, 1935 New York City, U.S. |
| Origin | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | December 20, 2024 (aged 89) |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | |
| Years active | 1955–2024 |
| Associated acts | The Johnny Otis Revue, The James Brown Revue |
Peylia Marsema Balinton (born October 16, 1935 – died December 20, 2024), known as Sugar Pie DeSanto, was an amazing American R&B singer and dancer. She became famous in the 1950s and 1960s for her powerful voice and energetic performances.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Sugar Pie DeSanto was born in New York City on October 16, 1935. Her mother was an African-American concert pianist, and her father was Filipino. When she was four years old, her family moved to San Francisco, California. She grew up there and was good friends with another famous singer, Etta James.
Music Career Highlights
Starting Out with Johnny Otis
In 1955, a talented musician named Johnny Otis discovered Sugar Pie DeSanto. She then started touring with his group, the Johnny Otis Revue. It was Johnny Otis who gave her the catchy stage name, Sugar Pie. From 1959 to 1960, she also toured with the James Brown Revue.
Becoming a Star
Sugar Pie DeSanto became well-known across the country in 1960. Her song "I Want to Know" reached number four on Billboard's Hot R&B music chart. She recorded this song with her husband at the time, Pee Wee Kingsley.
After this, DeSanto moved to Chicago. In 1962, she signed with Chess Records, a famous record company. She recorded many songs for Chess, including "Slip-in Mules," "Use What You Got," and "I Don't Wanna Fuss." Her biggest hit for Chess was "Soulful Dress."
Touring Europe and Duets
In 1964, Sugar Pie DeSanto joined the American Folk Blues Festival tour in Europe. People loved her lively shows, which included wild dancing and even standing back flips!
In 1965, DeSanto, using her birth name Peylia Parham, started writing songs with Shena DeMell. They wrote "Do I Make Myself Clear," which DeSanto sang as a duet with her friend Etta James. This song became a top 10 hit! They followed up with another duet, "In the Basement," in 1966.
Later Career and Recognition
After her time with Chess Records, Sugar Pie DeSanto continued to write songs and record music. She eventually moved back to the Bay Area in California, settling in Oakland.
Over the years, DeSanto received many awards for her contributions to music.
- In 1999, she won a Bay Area Music Award for best female blues singer.
- In September 2008, she received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
- In November 2009, she got a lifetime achievement award from the Goldie Awards.
- The Arhoolie Foundation honored her in December 2020 for helping to keep traditional music alive.
- In 2024, she was added to the Blues Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Sugar Pie DeSanto was married to Pee Wee Kingsley in the 1950s. Later, she was married to Jesse Earl Davis for 27 years. Sadly, in October 2006, Jesse Earl Davis passed away while trying to put out a fire that destroyed their apartment in Oakland, California.
Sugar Pie DeSanto passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 89.
Albums and Popular Songs
Albums
- Sugar Pie (1961)
- Lovin' Touch (1987) - This album featured recordings from 1959 to 1967.
- Down In The Basement: The Chess Years (1989)
- Go Go Power: The Complete Chess Singles 1961–1966 (2009)
- A Little Bit of Soul 1957–1962 (2017)
Popular Singles
Sugar Pie DeSanto had several songs that made it onto the R&B charts:
- "I Want to Know" (1960) - Reached number 4
- "Slip-In Mules (No High Heel Sneakers)" (1964) - Reached number 10
- "Soulful Dress" (1964) - Reached number 19
- "Use What You Got" (1964) - Reached number 43
- "Do I Make Myself Clear" (with Etta James, 1965) - Reached number 96
- "In the Basement – Part 1" (with Etta James, 1966) - Reached number 37
See also
In Spanish: Sugar Pie DeSanto para niños
