Yvonne Fair facts for kids

Yvonne Fair was a talented American singer. She was born Flora Yvonne Coleman on October 21, 1942. She became famous for her 1975 song "It Should Have Been Me". Yvonne Fair passed away on March 6, 1994.

Yvonne Fair's Music Journey

Flora Yvonne Coleman was born in Richmond, Virginia on October 12, 1942. She started her music career early. In 1961, she joined a group called the Chantels. After that, she became part of the James Brown Revue.

While working with James Brown, Yvonne recorded some songs for King Records. One of her songs was "I Found You". James Brown later changed this song into his own famous hit, "I Got You (I Feel Good)".

Joining Motown Records

Later, Yvonne Fair started working with Chuck Jackson. He helped her join Motown Records. Motown was a very famous record company.

Yvonne had a small role as a singer in a Motown movie. The movie was called Lady Sings the Blues (1972). While at Motown, she opened shows for many big stars. These included the Temptations, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Yvonne Fair also worked with a producer named Norman Whitfield. They made several songs together. Some of these songs were "Love Ain't No Toy" and "Walk Out the Door If You Wanna". She also sang her own version of "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On".

Her Big Hit Song

Yvonne Fair's most famous song was her version of "It Should Have Been Me". This song became a hit in the UK. It reached number 5 on the music charts in February 1976. This was her only hit song in the UK.

The song was also featured in a special TV show. It was on a BBC TV programme called The Vicar of Dibley. This episode aired on December 25, 2006.

Later Years and Legacy

By the 1980s, Yvonne Fair stopped recording new music. She would sometimes perform in small clubs in Los Angeles. She also worked as a wardrobe coordinator for singer Dionne Warwick.

In 1991, Yvonne appeared in a TV movie. It was called Mr. Roadrunner. In the movie, she sang her famous song "It Should Have Been Me".

Yvonne Fair passed away on March 6, 1994. She was 51 years old. She died from pancreatic cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Yvonne Fair's Family Life

Yvonne Fair was married to Leroy Fair. She later married Sammy Strain. Sammy Strain was a member of two famous music groups. These groups were Little Anthony and the Imperials and the O'Jays. Sammy Strain is one of the few artists to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He was inducted with the O'Jays in 2005 and with the Imperials in 2009.

Yvonne Fair had two children.

Yvonne Fair in Pop Culture

Yvonne Fair's life was shown in a movie. She was played by actress Tika Sumpter. This was in the 2014 James Brown movie, Get on Up.

Yvonne Fair's Music Recordings

Here are some of the albums and singles Yvonne Fair released during her career.

Albums

Singles

As a Background Singer

• 1978: Patti LaBelle – "You Are My Friend" b/w "I Think About You" (Epic 8-50487)
• 1980: The Commodores – "Jesus Is Love" (Motown)