Inez Foxx

Biography

Inez Foxx (born Inez Rebecca Fox, September 9, 1937 – August 25, 2022) was an influential American rhythm and blues and soul singer, best known as one half of the sibling duo Inez and Charlie Foxx. Raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Inez began singing with her older brother Charlie in their youth, initially performing gospel before transitioning to secular music. In 1960, Inez moved to New York City and recorded under her married name, Inez Johnston, but found little success until reuniting musically with Charlie.

Their breakthrough came in 1963 with the release of "Mockingbird," a reimagining of the lullaby "Hush, Little Baby." The song became a major hit, reaching the top 10 on both the US pop and R&B charts and selling over a million copies. The Foxx siblings became known for their energetic live performances and their role in the Northern soul movement, particularly with tracks like "Tightrope." While the duo struggled to replicate the massive success of "Mockingbird," they continued recording and touring through the late 1960s, with Inez also pursuing solo work into the 1970s.

Inez Foxx's musical style blended soulful vocals with pop sensibilities, and her work—both with her brother and as a solo artist—left a lasting mark on R&B. She was also notable for her songwriting, including collaborations with her then-husband Luther Dixon. Inez's legacy endures through the enduring popularity of "Mockingbird" and her influence on subsequent generations of soul and pop artists.

Fun Facts

• Despite their close musical partnership, many people—including radio host Casey Kasem—mistakenly believed Inez and Charlie Foxx were husband and wife, not siblings.
• Their hit 'Mockingbird' has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Etta James with Taj Mahal, and country singer Toby Keith.
• Inez Foxx's marriage to songwriter/producer Luther Dixon led to collaborations that helped revive The Platters' career in the 1960s.
• The Foxx siblings changed the spelling of their surname from 'Fox' to 'Foxx' for their professional careers.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charlie Foxx - Older brother and early musical partner; introduced Inez to gospel and R&B performance. (Mockingbird, various duo recordings) [1950s–1971]

Key Collaborators

• Charlie Foxx - Primary collaborator as part of Inez and Charlie Foxx duo. (Mockingbird, (1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count the Days, Tightrope, Come By Here (album)) [1963–1971]
• Luther Dixon - Songwriter, producer, and then-husband; co-wrote and produced material for Inez and Charlie Foxx and The Platters. (Come By Here (album), The Platters' 'I Love You 1000 Times') [Late 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Aretha Franklin - Covered 'Mockingbird,' helping to popularize the song further. ('Mockingbird' (cover version)) [1960s]
• James Taylor and Carly Simon - Recorded a successful duet cover of 'Mockingbird,' inspired by the Foxx original. ('Mockingbird' (1974 duet)) [1970s]
• Northern soul artists - Inez and Charlie Foxx's music, especially 'Tightrope,' became staples in the Northern soul scene, influencing countless UK artists and DJs. ('Tightrope') [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. My Love. (My Love.)
2. Menak Wla Meni (Menak Wla Meni)
3. Ghir Sir (Ghir Sir)
4. Hilwa (Hilwa)
5. Ana Lik (Ana Lik)
6. Malou Hada (Malou Hada)
7. Ana Lik (YEMI Remix) (Ana Lik (YEMI Remix))
8. Ya Benti (Searching)
9. Sbabi (Sbabi)
10. Oumi (Oumi)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #r&b, #soul