Don Covay
Don Covay, born Donald James Randolph on March 24, 1936, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was a significant figure in the American music scene, known for his contributions to R&B, rock and roll, and soul music. Covay's early life was marked by the death of his father, a Baptist preacher, when he was just eight years old. He moved with his family to Washington, D.C., where he began his musical journey singing in his family's gospel quartet, the Cherry Keys.
Covay's career took off in the mid-1950s when he joined the Rainbows, a vocal group in Washington, D.C. He later became part of the Little Richard Revue, serving as both a chauffeur and an opening act. His first solo recording, "Bip Bop Bip," was released under the name "Pretty Boy" on Atlantic Records.
Throughout the 1960s, Covay's songwriting talents shone brightly. He co-wrote "Pony Time," which became a number one hit for Chubby Checker. Covay also penned hits for other artists, including "Letter Full of Tears" for Gladys Knight & the Pips and "I'm Hanging Up My Heart for You" for Solomon Burke. His own recording of "Mercy, Mercy" in 1964 became a major hit and was later covered by the Rolling Stones.
Covay continued to produce hits, including "See-Saw," co-written with Steve Cropper, which became a hit for both him and Aretha Franklin. His song "Chain of Fools," recorded by Aretha Franklin, won a Grammy Award.
Don Covay's influence on the music industry was profound, and he was recognized with a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1994. He passed away on January 31, 2015, in Franklin Square, New York, leaving behind a legacy that traversed nearly the entire spectrum of rhythm-and-blues music.
App
