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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDORSEY, Lee(b 24 Dec. '24, New Orleans LA; d 1 Dec. '86) R&B singer. Served in US Navy, had fairly successful career as light heavyweight boxer in Portland OR; met local songwriter Allen Toussaint at a party in New Orleans and signed to Fury label for '61 hits 'Ya Ya' (no. 7 USA; sanitized cover by Petula Clark UK), 'Do-Re-Mi' was no. 27 (covered by Georgie Fame UK). Fury folded and Dorsey concentrated on his car repair business, but resumed working with Toussaint on Amy label for more Hot 100 entries '65--9: 'Working In A Coal Mine' was top ten both UK/USA; then classic statement of era's New Orleans sound from the two veterans in album Yes We Can '70; title track on Polydor (no. 46 in USA soul chart) was Dorsey's last chart entry. Guested on debut LP I Don't Want To Go Home '76 by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (duet with Johnny on 'How Come You Treat Me So Bad'), led to ABC contract, LP Night People '78, issued just as label closed down. |