Rose Marie McCoy

Who is Rose Marie McCoy?

Rose Marie McCoy was an influential and prolific songwriter of the 1950s and 1960s.

McCoy moved to New York City in 1942, pursuing a singing career. Her vocal talent got her bookings at famous venues such as Harlem’s Baby Grand, Detroit’s Flame Show Bar, Cincinnati's Sportsmen's Club, and Toronto's Basin Street.

In 1952, Rose Marie McCoy wrote and recorded two songs for the newly formed Rhythm & Blues label Wheeler Records, “Cheating Blues” and “Georgie Boy Blues”. After publishers heard these songs they sought her out. One of the first songs she was asked to write was a half-spoken, half-sung song, “Gabbin’ Blues” sung by Big Maybelle with the spoken part provided by Rose Marie McCoy. “Gabbin’ Blues” was the first big hit for Big Maybelle and the songwriter’s first hit.

McCoy wrote other songs for Big Maybelle, and other popular Rhythm ‘n’ Blues artists including, Louis Jordan and co-wrote, with Fred Mendelsohn, Nappy Brown's 1955 single "Don't Be Angry".

In 1954, Rose Marie McCoy teamed with songwriter Charles Singleton, also known as Charlie Singleton. They soon scored their first hit, “It Hurts Me to My Heart”, recorded in 1954 by Faye Adams.