Dee Dee Sharp

Singer[7]

What is Dee Dee Sharp known for?

Born on September 9, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dee Dee Sharp (birth name Dione LaRue) is a renowned American R&B and soul singer. Her journey into the music realm kickstarted in 1961, as a result of her early interest in piano and choir directing.

Sharp, a distinguished alumnus of Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA, began her music career in earnest in 1958. She made her way into the industry after responding to an ad seeking backup singers to support her family financially during her mother's recovery from a car accident.

Sharp's talent led her to sing backup vocals for established artists like Lloyd Price, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, and Jackie Wilson. In 1962, she joined Cameo/Parkway and was named Dee Dee Sharp by producers Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe - a nod to her brother's nickname for her and her penchant for singing in D sharp.

Her success in the industry includes a string of Billboard Hot 100 hits such as 'Slow Twistin', 'Mashed Potato Time', 'Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)', 'Ride!', and 'Do the Bird'. Both 'Mashed Potato Time' and 'Ride!' sold over a million copies and earned gold discs.

Sharp frequently appeared on American Bandstand, an ABC Television Network music-performance and dance series, from 1962 to 1981. Also, she was a fixture on the show's Caravan of Stars tours. In 1967, she married record producer and Philadelphia International co-founder Kenny Gamble and recorded as Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble until their divorce in 1980.

Despite a period of dissatisfaction with her record sales, leading her to switch to Atco/Atlantic Records, Sharp continued to make a significant mark on the industry. She co-founded Gamble Records with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and worked with TSOP and Philadelphia International over her extensive career.

In the disco era, Sharp made a comeback with her rendition of 10 CC's 'I'm Not In Love'. She joined luminaries such as Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, and Archie Bell as a member of the Philadelphia International All Stars.

Among her most notable songs in this period was 'Breaking and Entering' / 'Easy Money', which spent four weeks at number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. Her 1962 hit 'Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)' was featured in the 1992 American comedy film 'Sister Act', starring Whoopi Goldberg, and was included in the film's soundtrack album.

Sharp's legacy lives on today as a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. You can learn more about her on her official website.