Soulful vocalist behind the 1974 disco hit "Rock Your Baby", a chart-topping single that defined the era's funky, laid-back vibe.
George McCrae is an American soul and disco singer, best known for his 1974 chart-topping hit "Rock Your Baby," which sold an estimated 11 million copies worldwide and topped the charts in the US and UK. With his unique high-pitched voice, McCrae's signature sound became synonymous with the disco era, earning him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocalist in 1975.
Born on October 19, 1944, in West Palm Beach, Florida, McCrae was the second of nine children. He formed his own singing group, the Jivin Jets, before joining the United States Navy in 1963. While serving in the Navy, he married Gwen McCrae (née Mosley) in 1963, who would later become his partner in music and life.
In 1967, McCrae reformed the Jivin Jets, with Gwen joining the lineup. However, they soon decided to work as a duo, recording for Henry Stone's Alston record label. It was during this time that McCrae's unique voice caught the attention of Richard Finch and Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band. They invited him to sing the lyrics for a song they had recorded, which would eventually become "Rock Your Baby." The song's success was unprecedented, and it launched McCrae's solo career.
In addition to "Rock Your Baby," McCrae released two more singles, "I Can't Leave You Alone" and "It's Been So Long," which both reached the UK Singles Chart Top 10. He recorded several albums for TK, including "George McCrae" (1975) and "Diamond Touch" (1976). McCrae's music was met with critical acclaim, earning him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocalist in 1975.
McCrae's personal life was marked by his marriage to Gwen McCrae, with whom he had two daughters, Sophia and Leah. The couple divorced in 1976, but McCrae continued to record and manage his wife's music career. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, McCrae released several albums, including "We Did It" and his second self-titled album "George McCrae" (both 1978).
George McCrae's music had a significant impact on the disco era, paving the way for future generations of soul and R&B singers. His unique voice and style continue to inspire artists today, and his legacy as a pioneer of the disco era remains unwavering.
George McCrae's contribution to the R&B and disco genres cannot be overstated. His unique voice and style helped define the sound of the 1970s, and his influence can still be heard in modern music today. As one of the pioneers of the disco era, McCrae's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
75 Years Old
The legendary founder of KC and the Sunshine Band, a pioneer of disco and funk music, known for iconic hits like "That's the Way (I Like It)" and "Get Down Tonight".
68 Years Old
A Cuban-American singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with her unique blend of Latin-infused pop music and energetic live performances, earning seven Grammy Awards.
68 Years Old
A teen idol of the 1970s, known for his soulful voice and hits like "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" and "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water".
79 Years Old
A legendary singer-songwriter and producer behind iconic hits like "Stayin' Alive" and "How Deep Is Your Love", known for his soaring falsetto and contributions to the disco era.
