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Marcella Detroit

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Marcella Detroit
Detroit performing with Eric Clapton on tour in San Bernardino, California, on August 15, 1975
Detroit performing withEric Claptonon tour inSan Bernardino, California,on August 15, 1975
Background information
Birth nameMarcella Levy
Also known asMarcy Levy
Born(1952-06-21)June 21, 1952(age 72)
Detroit,Michigan, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
  • tambourine
Years active1972–present
Labels
Member ofShakespears Sister
Formerly ofMarcy Levy Band

Marcella Levy(born June 21, 1952),[1]known professionally asMarcy Levyand (later in her career)Marcella Detroit,is an Americansinger, songwriter,and guitarist.[2]She co-wrote the 1977Eric Claptonhit "Lay Down Sally"and released her debut studio albumMarcellain 1982. She joinedShakespears Sisterin 1988 with ex-BananaramamemberSiobhan Fahey.Their first two studio albums,Sacred Heart(1989), andHormonally Yours(1992), both reached the top 10 of theUK Albums Chart.Detroit sang the lead vocals on their biggest hit, "Stay",which spent eight consecutive weeks at number one on theUK Singles Chartin 1992.[3][4]Detroit left the band in 1993 and had a UK top 20 hit with "I Believe"in 1994. She formed the Marcy Levy Band in 2002, and finished third in the 2010ITVseriesPopstar to Operastar.

Career

[edit]

1970–1987: Early career andMarcella

[edit]

Detroit-born Marcy Levy began playing for different bands in her home city during the early 1970s. The first major act she worked with wasBob Segerwho signed her band "Julia" up to tour with him. She sang backing vocals on his studio albumBack in '72(1973), which was recorded atLeon Russell's Grand Lake studio. Detroit was then asked by Russell to join him on tour, which she later did. After moving toTulsa, Oklahomato further pursue her musical career, she and her then-current band were hired byEric Claptonfor touring. She sang backing and group vocals on Clapton's studio albumThere's One in Every Crowd(1975), and toured and recorded with him for the next four years. While working with Clapton, she sang backing vocals on some of his most enduring songs, including "Lay Down Sally"(which she co-wrote),"Promises",and"Wonderful Tonight".She co-wrote and sang lead vocals on" Roll It "on Clapton's studio albumBackless(1978) and dueted with Clapton on "The Core", which she also co-wrote with Clapton. During this period, she began working on her debut solo studio album with producerDavid Fosterin the mid-late 1970s signed toRSO Records.For unknown reasons however, the album was shelved and remained unfinished. Marcy later stopped working with Clapton to focus more on her own solo career, but rejoined him when they performed atLive Aidwhere she added backing vocals. Whilst working on her debut studio album, she was singing and songwriting for numerous artists includingAretha Franklin,Burt Bacharach,Carole Bayer Sager,Stanley Clarke,Chaka Khan,Belinda Carlisle,andAl Jarreau.[5]

Marcy duetted withAlice Cooperon his 1978 studio albumFrom the Inside(producer David Foster) on the song "Millie and Billie". She provided backing vocals on the 1980 hit "Lookin' for Love"(#5 Pop and #1 Country) byJohnny Lee. Also in 1980, she sang a duet withRobin Gibb,"Help Me!",which was featured on theofficial soundtrackof the filmTimes Square.The song was released as a single, and reached number 50 on the USBillboardHot 100.[6]She also sang a duet onJimmy Ruffin's studio albumSunrise;"Where Do I Go", and in 1981 was featured on theofficial soundtrackofAmerican Popon "Somebody to Love".[7][8]During this period, Detroit was signed toEpic Recordsand released her debut studio album,Marcellain 1982. The album failed to appear on any major charts, and after the commercial failure of the album, Epic Records refused Detroit tour allowance withJohn Mellencamp,and she was later dropped by the label.[5]She wrote and provided backing vocals for "Tangled in Love" with Richard Feldman, which appeared on Eric Clapton's 1985 studio albumBehind the Sun.Following this, she was asked by Clapton to start to work with him again, and after another year of touring with him, she once more left to pursue her own solo career.[5]Detroit (credited as Marcy Levy) released an LP together withDiane Reevesin 1985, titledBallerina,where she performs three songs, "Ballerina", "Pretty Polly" and "Always a Woman in Love".[9]Also credited as Marcy Levy, she sang a duet withMax Carl,"Come and Follow Me" for the movieShort Circuit 1in 1986; however no movie soundtrack album was ever released. Detroit was featured in 1988 on the official soundtrack ofMac and Me,on the song "You Knew What You Were Doing".[8]

1988–1993: Shakespears Sister

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Detroit metBananaramamemberSiobhan Faheythrough a friend in common and songwriting partner Richard Feldman. At the time, Fahey had been contemplating leaving the band for her solo brainchild project Shakespears Sister. Feldman had invited Detroit as a songwriting aid. During this period, Fahey suggested to Detroit that she change her name to "give me a sort of new lease of life and to get me disassociated with my background vocal past/entity". Detroit continued to work as a "hired hand" until Fahey's husbandDave StewartofEurythmicssuggest the two form a band, which was backed by Feldman, Fahey's management and her record company,London Records.[10]Detroit officially became a member of the band after the release of the first Shakespears Sister single, "Break My Heart (You Really)/Heroine".Their second single"You're History"reached the top 10 in the UK, as did their debut studio albumSacred Heart,which was certified Gold by theBPI.[11]Two further singles were released fromSacred Heart,"Run Silent"and"Dirty Mind",both of which failed to peak within the UK top 50.[12]

In late 1991, Shakespears Sister released the first single from their second studio albumHormonally Yours,"Goodbye Cruel World",which was also a commercial failure, failing to peak within the UK top 50. The second single however,"Stay",marked Shakespears Sister's first and only number one, staying at the top of the UK charts for eight consecutive weeks, and also found similar success in international charts.[3][12]Hormonally Yourswas released the following month, and was certified 2× Platinum by the BPI.[11]The duo continued to enjoy success with further singles fromHormonally Yours;"I Don't Care"peaked at number seven,"Hello (Turn Your Radio On)"at number 14, and a re-release of" Goodbye Cruel World "at number 32.

During this period, however, tensions began to arise between the two. A concert at theRoyal Albert Hallwas cancelled due to Fahey's own personal issues at the time, and the two decided to put Shakespears Sister on hiatus for Detroit to release her new solo studio album, which she had been working on at the time, and also for Fahey to "take that time off to be with her family." During this period, the fifth and final single fromHormonally Yourswas released; "My 16th Apology",and due to both members being unable to promote it, it was a commercial failure, reaching number 63 on the UK charts. Detroit found out that Fahey had ended her partnership with her at the 1993Ivor Novello Awardsceremony through Fahey's publisher whenHormonally Yourswon "Best Contemporary Collection of Songs". Detroit and Fahey did not speak to or see each other for 25 years,[10]before eventually meeting up and talking again in 2018.[13]

1994–2001:Jewel,Feeler,andDancing Madly Sideways

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After leaving Shakespears Sister in 1993, Detroit began her own solo career also with London Records. Her second studio album, and her first since leaving the duo,Jewelwas released in March 1994 preceded by "I Believe",which reached number 11 in the UK. The album itself reached number 15 and was certified silver by the BPI.[3][11]Jewelreceived mixed reviews from critics –Aaron BadgleyfromAllMusiccommented "[Chris Thomas] seems to steer Marcella into mid-'90s dance grooves, which does not always fit her own distinctive sound".[14]Three more singles followed; "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"(a duet withElton John), "I'm No Angel",and"Perfect World",which peaked at number 24, 33, and 134 respectively.[3]

Detroit left London Records sometime in 1995. She released her third studio albumFeelerin September 1996 under various labels; in the UK it was released under AAA Records, in some European territories underMega Records,in othersSilvertone Records.[15]The album did not chart in the UK, or any other territories except Japan, where underSony Recordsit peaked at number 82. Four singles were released, "I Hate You Now...","Somebody's Mother ","Boy",and" Flower "." I Hate You Now... "and" Boy "peaked at number 107, and 102 respectively.[3]A live album,Without Medication Plus MTV "Buzz Live",was released promotionally in Japan in 1996. In the same year, she guest-starred in two episodes ofAbsolutely Fabulousas an angel.[16]Over the course of the two episodes, five original songs by Detroit feature in numerous scenes, which were later released in 1999 onAbfab Songs.The same year, Detroit releasedDemoz,a double-CD collection of demos. Her fourth solo album,Dancing Madly Sidewayswas released in July 2001 under Detroit's own independent label Banned Records, which would later be retitled Lofi Records. The album was preceded by one single, "Lust for Like", and a three-track sampler EP,Limited Edition.[15]None of these releases charted internationally. In 2002, she featured onAurora's single "If You Could Read My Mind".

2002–2008: Marcy Levy Band

[edit]

AfterDancing Madly Sideways,Detroit formed her self-titled blues band (named after her birth name and original stage name); the Marcy Levy Band, with Michael Fell on harmonica, Job Striles on guitar, Rick Reed on bass, and Max Bangwell on drums.[17]Detroit described the project as "getting back to my roots, the stuff that inspired me in the first place. So I decided to contact all my blues friends and do a record."[18]Their debut EPButton Fly Bluesreceived a limited release under Handmade Records, Detroit and the band's only release with the label.[15]During this era, she toured withCarlos Guitarlos,[19]and began songwriting for artists includingCharlotte ChurchandAlex Parks,among others. The Marcy Levy Band released their debut studio albumThe Upside of Being Downin July 2006 under Detroit's independent label Lofi Records. In April 2007, she featured on Loverush U.K.'s single "Mystery to Me". In 2008, she also featured on "My Friend Misery" byVacuum.[20][21]

2009–2018: Popstar to Operastar,The Vehicle,andGray Matterz

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In 2009, the Marcy Levy Band split. The same year, Detroit featured on Alex Dixon's – grandson ofWillie Dixon– albumRising from the Busheson two tracks: "Fantasy" and "Paint You a Picture".[22]As of mid-2009,Detroit had been working on two separate solo studio albums;Skin I'm In,produced byLarry Klein,andThe Vehicle,a more personal project, and is to coincide with the release of her autobiography of the same name.[23]In January 2010 Detroit participated inSeries 1of the BritishITV1celebrity reality television showPopstar to Operastar.She finished as a joint semi-finalist alongsideKym Marshin week 5 of the competition. When the voting statistics were released it was revealed that she had more votes than Marsh; therefore she came third overall. She was also only three percent behindDarius Campbell Danesh,who went on to become the winner of the season.[24]In 2010, she released a single titled "All is Forgiven", based on the Irish Prayer, which has since been removed from theiTunes Store.[25]In November 2011, Detroit released her firstChristmasEPHappy Holiday,consisting of classic covers and an original song of the same name.[26]

In May 2012, Detroit released her first single in two years; "Madison's Light" as a tribute to her niece, who died at the age of five months.[26]Five months after the release of the single, Detroit officially set up the not-for-profit charity organization "The Madison Morr Foundation" for children in need.[27]Detroit was featured on the song "Yell Cut" among numerous artists includingAnthony Costa,originally written by aspiring singer Natasha Anastasi, who was killed in a car accident in 2005.[28]The song was recorded for and included on Anastasi's tribute albumNatasha,released in June 2012 consisting of songs performed by Anastasi and other artists. In August 2012, Detroit announcedJames Gadsonwould be featuring on her "new album" (which one hasn't been specified) and would be performing on her tour with her, which opened on September 20, 2012 inLargo, Florida.[27]In September 2012, she released a new single "Love, Faith, and Hope", which was intended to be the official anthem of the Belgrade Pride festival, which was cancelled by the Serbian government due to security reasons.[27]In November 2012, Detroit released her second Christmas EP, entitledHoliday 2012,and confirmed on her officialFacebookpage that both studio albums (Skin I'm InandThe Vehicle) were completed, and awaiting release for early 2013.[26][27]

It was announced in December 2012 that Detroit was expecting to release both albums internationally onValentine's Day,2013. She was developing an officialapp,to be released free, containing exclusive information "you won't be able to find anywhere else".[29]A supporting tour backed by London session organisation The AllStars Collective, the Vehicle Jump Start Tour, opened on April 28, 2013 inMilton Keynes,United Kingdom.[27]Detroit announced in February 2013 that she had signed with Right Recordings, a UK-based label with "major distribution throughUniversal".[30]

2019–present: Shakespears Sister reunion

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In May 2019,[31]it was announced that Detroit would reunite with Fahey as Shakespears Sister on stage later in the year.[32]A UK tour, titled Shakespears Sister Ride Again, was announced during the same month, and was launched in Nottingham on 31 October 2019, before playing 13 other gigs across the UK during the following month.[33]A new single by the band, "All the Queen's Horses", was released on 15 May, with an accompanying music video.[34]This was followed by the compilation album,Singles Party,in July 2019.[citation needed]

The duo performed "Stay" onThe Graham Norton Showon 10 May 2019; their first TV performance together since 1993. They also announced that they were recording an EP of new material.[35]which turned out to be theRide Againmini-album, which charted at number 69 in the UK Albums chart in November 2019.[36]

In 2021, Detroit appeared on a cover version ofRobbie Williams' "Angels",recorded for charity withTony HadleyofSpandau Ballet,Jools Holland,Clem BurkeofBlondieandGlen Matlockof theSex Pistols.In June 2021, she talked about her time working with Eric Clapton and Alice Cooper on an episode ofSounds of the 70swith Johnnie Walker onBBC Radio 2.[37][38][39][40]

Songwriting career

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Detroit has co-written many songs for other artists, starting when she was part ofEric Clapton's backing band in the 1970s. She most famously co-wrote "Lay Down Sally"for him, which was a #3 hit in the USA in 1978, and contributed other songs for his albumsNo Reason to Cry(1976),Slowhand(1977), andBackless(1978).

During the 1980s, she established a lasting songwriting partnership with songwriterRichard Feldman,co-writing many songs for other artists. Also, Feldman and Detroit collaborated on songs ofShakespears Sisterand co-wrote most of Detroit's 1982Marcellaalbum, and both appear on the album cover art. Among the artists both co-wrote for are:

In the mid-1980s, Detroit collaborated with songwritersBillie HughesandRoxanne Seeman.Among the songs they wrote together isPhilip Bailey's "Walking on the Chinese Wall",which hit #34 in the UK and #46 in the US. They also wrote songs forRandy Crawford,Al JarreauandPernilla Wahlgren.

Detroit also co-wrote metal bandVixen's 1989 single "Love Made Me", which was a top 40 hit in the UK.

Detroit has written songs forAlex Parks,Charlotte Church,Billie Myers,Marti PellowandJoe McElderryamong others.

Personal life

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Detroit is aJewish Americanwith ancestral links toPolandandLatvia.

Detroit is married to Lance Aston (one time member ofPrima Donnaand brother ofBucks FizzstarJay Aston). They have a son, Maxwell, born in 1991.[41]

Discography

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Main article:Marcella Detroit discography

Marcy Levy Band discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details
The Upside of Being Down

Extended plays

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Title Album details
Button Fly Blues
  • Released: 2003
  • Formats: CD
  • Label: Hand Made

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1978 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Our Guests at Heartland Credited as Marcy Levy
1990 Beyond the Groove Musician / Hitchhiker 1 episode
1996 Absolutely Fabulous Angel 2 episodes
1998 This Town Tracy Landau Main role

References

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  1. ^Benarde, Scott.Stars of David: Rock 'n Roll's Jewish Stories.Brandeis University Press.p. 241.
  2. ^Priya Elan."Why I'd love to see a Shakespears Sister reunion | Music".The Guardian.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  3. ^abcdeRoberts, David (2006).British Hit Singles & Albums(19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 493.ISBN1-904994-10-5.
  4. ^"All The Official Singles Chart Number 1s".Officialcharts.January 30, 2015.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  5. ^abc"Marcella Detroit – Biography".Marcella-Detroit.RetrievedDecember 2,2012.
  6. ^"Allmusic > Robin Gibb (for 'Help Me!')".allmusic.RetrievedNovember 27,2012.
  7. ^"Jimmy Ruffin – Sunrise at Discogs".Discogs. November 13, 1980.RetrievedDecember 2,2012.
  8. ^ab"Marcy Levy, Appearances – Discogs".Discogs.RetrievedDecember 2,2012.
  9. ^"Diane Reeves, Marcy Levy – Ballerina".discogs. November 13, 1985.
  10. ^ab"FAQq".Marcella Detroit. September 13, 1973.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  11. ^abc"Archived copy".Archived fromthe originalon September 24, 2009.RetrievedApril 22,2010.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. ^ab"Chart Log UK, 1994–2010, DJ S – The System Of Life".Zobbel.de.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  13. ^"Marcella Detroit on Instagram:" After 25 years, we finally get to meet up and talk. You never know what can happen!! #shakespear'ssister,… "".Instagram.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2021.
  14. ^Aaron Badgley."Jewel – Marcella Detroit | Songs, Reviews, Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  15. ^abc"Marcella Detroit Discography".Discogs.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  16. ^"Marcella Detroit".IMDb.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  17. ^"Marcy Levy Band – Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at".Last.fm.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  18. ^Marcella Detroit – PODonYouTube
  19. ^"Press reviews".Carlos Guitarlos. Archived fromthe originalon October 15, 2007.
  20. ^"Loverush UK! Ft. Marcella Detroit – Mystery To Me (File, MP3)".Discogs.November 19, 2007.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  21. ^"Vacuum feat. Zlanabitnig* – Know By Now / My Friend Misery (CD)".Discogs.May 24, 2008.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  22. ^Michael G. Nastos."Rising from the Bushes – Alex Dixon | Songs, Reviews, Credits".AllMusic.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  23. ^"Projects".Marcella Detroit.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  24. ^"Drama & Soaps – Categories – The ITV Hub".Itv.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  25. ^"Amazon".Amazon.
  26. ^abc"Marcella Detroit on iTunes".Itunes.apple.June 21, 1959.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  27. ^abcde"Marcella Detroit".Facebookm.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  28. ^Various Artists – Yell CutonYouTube
  29. ^"Latest news".Marcella Detroit.RetrievedMay 6,2016.
  30. ^"Archived copy".Archived fromthe originalon January 5, 2015.RetrievedFebruary 9,2013.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  31. ^"Shakespears Sister Interview: 'All I wanted to do".classicpopmag.Classic Pop Mag. October 2019.
  32. ^"Shakespears Sister to reunite".The List.May 3, 2019.RetrievedMay 3,2019.
  33. ^"Shakespears Sister reunite for huge UK tour".The List.May 7, 2019.RetrievedMay 7,2019.
  34. ^Shakespears Sister (May 19, 2019)."All the Queen's Horses".Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2021.RetrievedMarch 20,2019.
  35. ^"Shakespears Sister Official on Instagram:" #NEWMUSIC coming soon. Siobhan & Marcy are in the studio this week adding the finishing touches to their new EP arriving later in 2019.... "".Instagram.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2021.
  36. ^"Shakespears Sister | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".officialcharts.
  37. ^"Tony Hadley and Marcella Detroit lead all-star charity cover of Robbie Williams' Angels".June 4, 2021.
  38. ^"Marcella Detroit leads all-star charity cover of Robbie Williams' 'Angels'".June 7, 2021.
  39. ^"Marcella Detroit Interviews with Riveting Riffs Magazine and Joe Montague".rivetingriffs.
  40. ^"Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker, Special Guest: Marcella Detroit".BBC Radio 2.
  41. ^Rawlins, Melissa W. (September 25, 1992)."Shakespear's Sister".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on September 27, 2012.RetrievedJuly 15,2008.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Larkin, Colin.The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music,Guinness Publishing, 1992,ISBN978-0851126623.
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