Lead singer of the Shirelles, known for hits like "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Soldier Boy", pioneering the girl group sound of the 1960s
Doris Coley was an American musician and singer, best known as a member and occasional lead singer of the legendary girl group, the Shirelles. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery made her an integral part of the group's success, particularly on their biggest hit, "Dedicated to the One I Love".
Born on August 2, 1941, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Doris was the oldest of five children to Zeno and Ruth Best Coley. After her mother's passing, the family moved to Passaic, New Jersey, where she formed the Shirelles in 1958 with her schoolmates Shirley Owens, Addie Micki Harris, and Beverly Lee. The group was one of the first all-girl groups of the rock era, and their self-written song "I Met Him on a Sunday" caught the attention of Florence Greenberg, who signed them to her Tiara label.
The Shirelles' success was swift and remarkable, with "I Met Him on a Sunday" becoming a regional hit and eventually being bought by Decca Records. Doris' soulful voice and emotive delivery made her a fan favorite, and she went on to sing lead on many of the group's hit songs, including "Dedicated to the One I Love", "Soldier Boy", and "Baby It's You". The group's harmonies and style influenced many subsequent girl groups, including the Supremes and the Ronettes.
Doris married twice, first to Alfonza Kenner, with whom she had two sons, Gary and Antonio, and later to Wallace Jackson, with whom she had twins, Staci and Tracy. In 1968, Doris left the Shirelles, but returned in 1975 after original lead singer Shirley Owens departed. In 1994, Doris reunited with her former bandmates to accept a Heritage Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, marking the first time they had performed together in 19 years. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
Doris Coley's contributions to the Shirelles' success helped pave the way for future generations of female musicians. Her legacy extends beyond her music, as she played a significant role in breaking down racial and gender barriers in the music industry. The Shirelles' music continues to inspire and influence artists today, and Doris' soulful voice remains an integral part of rock and roll history.
Doris Coley passed away on February 4, 2000, at the age of 58, due to complications from breast cancer. Her passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the music community, celebrating her life and legacy as a pioneering musician and singer.
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