Dee Dee Sharp
Dee Dee Sharp, born Dione LaRue on September 9, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a notable American R&B singer. Her musical journey began at a young age; she demonstrated early talent by playing the piano and directing choirs at her grandfather's church and other local churches in Philadelphia, which laid the groundwork for her future career in music.
Sharp initially started her career as a backing vocalist, contributing to various musical projects before embarking on her solo path. During the 1960s, she achieved significant success as a solo artist, producing a series of hit records that solidified her place in the music industry.
Some of her most popular songs include “Mashed Potato Time” and “Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes),” which showcased her distinctive vocal style and upbeat musical influences.
Beyond her singing career, Dee Dee Sharp has also made appearances in film and television. Notable roles include appearances in the movie "Sister Act" (1992) and the film "Swan Song" (2021), highlighting her versatility as an entertainer.
Throughout her career, Sharp has remained a prominent figure in R&B music, known for her engaging performances and contributions to the genre. Her background, starting from her early music education to her rise as a solo artist, reflects her enduring influence and talent in the music industry.
All The Hits By Dee Dee Sharp - Volume II
Written-By – D. Leon, J. Sheldon
2:28
A2 Comin' Home Baby
Written-By – Tucker, Dorough
2:44
A3 Don't Make Me Over
Written-By – H. David - B. Bacharach
2:47
A4 Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah
Written-By – A. Wrubel, R. Gilbert
2:43
A5 Limbo Rock
Written-By – Strange, Sheldon
2:23
A6 Wiggle Wobble
Written-By – L. Cooper
2:00
B1 Ride!
Written-By – Leon, Sheldon
2:24
B2 You Are My Sunshine
Written-By – C. Mitchell, J. Davis
2:40
B3 Tell Him
Written-By – Bert Russell
2:18
B4 First Star
Written-By – D. Pomus, M. Shuman
2:28
B5 The Push And Kick
Written-By – Rehak, Ranbeau, Slay
2:23
B6 Don't Hang Up
Written-By – Appell, Kal Mann
2:17
Label: Cameo – C1032
Series: All The Hits
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1963
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Sixties Soul
All The Hits By Dee Dee Sharp - Volume II (often bundled with Volume I or part of compilations like The Best Of 1962-1966) collects her energetic 1960s dance hits, showcasing her "gutsy soul" style with tracks like "Mashed Potato Time," "The Wah-Watusi," and "Ride! Do the Bird," delighting fans with nostalgic, danceable R&B/Rock & Roll, though some buyers find the production standard, and it highlights her status as an underrated '60s female vocalist.
The album lives up to its name, featuring Dee Dee Sharp's signature dance craze songs from the early to mid-1960s.
It captures the classic Parkway Records sound, described as "stormin'" and energetic, with lots of youthful soul and danceable rhythms.
While generally well-received for its content, production is noted as typical of the era, often in mono, with some modern compilations combining her early hits.
Fans love it for nostalgia, praising Sharp as an "underrated" singer with great tunes. It's considered essential for '60s girl-group/dance music enthusiasts.
Some reviews mention that while great for nostalgia, the tracks are standard '60s pop fare, and a few buyers of specific CD releases have reported issues like skipping, though this seems more a pressing issue than the original album's quality.
In essence, it's a fun, essential listen for anyone enjoying early 1960s dance-pop and soul, showcasing Dee Dee Sharp's place in that era's music scene, even if she's often overlooked.