R&B Legend sugar pie DeSanto Passes Away at 89
Soulful singer and songwriter Sugar Pie desanto, best known for her hit duet “In the Basement” with Etta James and her electrifying performances with iconic artists like Johnny Otis and James Brown, has died. She was 89 years old and passed away at her brother’s home in Oakland, California on Friday.
DeSanto was not only a gifted vocalist but also a talented lyricist. Her powerful stage presence and soulful voice captivated audiences and served as an inspiration to many soul and hip-hop artists who followed. Her 1960 hit “I Want to Know,” a deeply moving blues ballad, showcased her unique vocal ability. She recorded her vocals on two separate tracks, harmonizing with herself to create a hauntingly lovely sound. The song reached number four on the Billboard R&B chart, solidifying her place in music history.
“It should be noted that she was also the author of the lyrics.As a powerful performer who inspired later soul and other artists,” said a friend of DeSanto’s. Despite her age, desanto appeared much younger and continued to possess a youthful energy. “In addition,despite the venerable age of 89,the singer seemed substantially younger to her supporters,” the friend added.
The music world mourns the loss of the dynamic performer known for her electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals. While she may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of her contemporaries,she left an indelible mark on the R&B scene.
Beloved by audiences for her acrobatic performances, she was often compared to the “godfather of Soul” himself, James Brown. Known for spinning and dancing through the crowd, she brought an unforgettable energy to the stage, captivating audiences at prestigious venues like the Apollo in Harlem.
Early success and Legacy
After touring with James Brown and experiencing the success of her single “I Want to Know,” she signed a recording contract with Chess Records. This move led her to chicago, where she collaborated with another pioneering female songwriter, Shane Demel. Together, they penned songs for renowned artists such as Billy Stewart, Little Milton, and Fontella Bass. Her contributions to the music world, though sometimes overlooked, were important, showcasing her songwriting talent and ability to craft memorable melodies.
She may not have attained the same level of recognition as some of her peers, but her unique stage presence and contributions to R&B music will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
We extend our condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time.
## Remembering Sugar Pie DeSanto: A Legacy of soul
**Archyde interview with music critic and historian, Dr.Angela Jones.**
**Archyde**: The music world is mourning the loss of a true R&B legend, Sugar Pie DeSanto, who passed away at 89. Dr. Jones, you’ve dedicated your career to documenting the rich history of soul music. What made Sugar Pie DeSanto such a force in the genre?
**Dr. Jones**: Sugar Pie DeSanto was a powerhouse. Not only did she possess a truly remarkable voice, rich with soul and raw emotion, but her stage presence was simply electrifying. Remember, this was a woman who shared the stage with giants like James Brown and Johnny Otis. She commanded attention, captivated audiences, and left them wanting more.
**Archyde**: Her duet “In the Basement” with Etta James is an undeniable classic.What was it about their vocal chemistry that made that song so special?
**Dr. Jones**: Both Etta James and sugar Pie DeSanto were vocal powerhouses in their own right. But when they came together, it was pure magic. Their voices, though stylistically different – Etta’s raspy blues contrasted beautifully with Sugar Pie’s smoother, more soulful tones – blended flawlessly. They had a chemistry, a back-and-forth, that brought a playful energy to the song while still maintaining its raw emotional core.
**Archyde**: DeSanto wasn’t just a gifted singer, but a talented songwriter as well. Can you speak about her songwriting style?
**Dr. Jones**: Her songwriting, especially in songs like “I Want to Know,” showcased a deep understanding of human emotion. She wrote about heartbreak, longing, and love with a vulnerability and honesty that resonated intensely with listeners. And the fact she harmonized with herself on recordings like “I Want to Know”, adding these layered vocal textures, added a whole other dimension to her artistry.
**Archyde**: her impact extends beyond her generation. Many contemporary soul and hip-hop artists cite her as an influence. Why do you think her music remains so relevant today?
**Dr. Jones**: Sugar Pie DeSanto’s music wasn’t just about sound; it was about feeling. The raw emotion, the honesty in her voice, and the strength she projected as a performer—these are universal qualities that transcend generations. Artists today still connect with those fundamentals, and that’s why her music continues to inspire and resonate.
**Archyde**: We’ve lost a true icon.How would you sum up Sugar Pie DeSanto’s legacy?
**Dr.Jones**: sugar Pie DeSanto’s legacy is a testament to the power of soul. She was a gifted vocalist, a talented songwriter, and a commanding performer who left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come.
## Remembering Sugar pie DeSanto: A Look at the Soul Legend’s Life and Legacy
**[Interviewer]** We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Sugar Pie DeSanto, a true pioneer in the world of R&B whose electrifying performances and powerful vocals left an indelible mark on music history. Joining me today to celebrate Sugar Pie’s legacy and reflect on her incredible career is [Alex Reed name], a close friend and longtime admirer of DeSanto’s artistry.
**[Alex Reed]** It’s an honor to be here and talk about Sugar Pie. Her loss is truly felt by so many who knew her music and her impact on the R&B scene. She was one of a kind, truly.
**[Interviewer]** Sugar Pie was known for her incredible stage presence, often compared to the “Godfather of Soul” himself, James Brown. Can you tell us more about what made her performances so captivating?
**[Alex Reed]** Sugar Pie had this boundless energy.She wasn’t just standing on stage singing; she was moving, spinning, dancing through the crowd. She connected with the audience on a level that was pure magic.
**[Interviewer]** Her hit single “I Want to Know,” a soulful blues ballad, showcased not only her vocal talents but also her songwriting prowess. Can you speak to Sugar Pie’s contributions as a lyricist?
**[Alex Reed]** She wasn’t just a singer; she was a storyteller. She could pull you into her songs with her words and have you feeling every emotion she poured into them. “I Want to Know” is a testament to that. She actually recorded her vocals on two separate tracks, harmonizing with herself to create this hauntingly lovely sound.It was truly innovative.
**[Interviewer]** Beyond her solo career, Suger Pie collaborated with musical giants like Etta James and Johnny Otis. How did these collaborations shape her artistic journey?
**[Alex Reed]** These collaborations were crucial for Sugar Pie. She learned from the best, shared her talents, and continues to inspire younger generations of artists.
**[Interviewer]** Despite her age, Sugar Pie appeared much younger and continued to possess a youthful energy. How would you describe her spirit?
**[Alex Reed]** Sugar Pie had a zest for life that was infectious. She never let her age slow her down. Her energy was captivating and her passion for music burned brightly until the very end.
**[Interviewer]** Sugar pie DeSanto’s legacy extends beyond the music; it’s about her unwavering spirit, her undeniable talent, and her lasting impact on the R&B world. Thank you for sharing your memories and insights with us today.
**[Alex Reed]** It was my pleasure. Sugar Pie will be deeply missed, but her music will continue to inspire generations to come.
