Patti Drew

Biography

Patti Drew (born December 29, 1944, in Charleston, South Carolina; died June 16, 2025) was an American pop and soul singer whose career flourished in the late 1960s. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and later Evanston, Illinois, Drew’s musical roots were planted in the church, singing alongside her sisters Lorraine and Erma. Their talent was discovered by Capitol Records executive Maurice Lathouwers, leading to the formation of The Drew-Vels. The group’s 1964 single 'Tell Him,' featuring Carlton Black on bass, became a local pop and R&B hit, charting nationally and establishing Drew’s presence in the Chicago soul scene.

After The Drew-Vels disbanded in 1965, Patti Drew embarked on a solo career, first with Quill Records and then Capitol Records. Her re-recording of 'Tell Him' in 1967 became her signature hit, reaching #22 on the R&B charts. Drew released four albums, including 'Workin' On a Groovy Thing' (1968), and several singles that charted on both the pop and R&B charts. Her style blended smooth pop sensibilities with soulful vocals, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim for her expressive delivery.

Though she stepped back from the national spotlight in the early 1970s, Drew continued to perform locally and made a brief return to recording in the 1970s and 1980s. Her influence endured, especially within the Chicano oldies and soul collector communities. In 2025, she was posthumously selected for induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a pioneering voice in American soul music.

Fun Facts

• Patti Drew's mother worked for Capitol Records executive Maurice Lathouwers, which led directly to her first recording contract.
• She appeared on both Soul Train (when it was still filmed in Chicago) and American Bandstand, performing 'Workin' On a Groovy Thing' in 1968.
• Fontella Bass, known for 'Rescue Me,' sang backup on one of Patti Drew's albums.
• After her national career, Drew continued to perform locally in Evanston, Illinois, and was active in the group Front Line during the 1980s.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Maurice Lathouwers - Capitol Records executive who discovered Patti Drew and her sisters, signing them as The Drew-Vels after hearing them sing in church. (The Drew-Vels' recordings, including 'Tell Him') [early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Lorraine Drew - Sister and member of The Drew-Vels; sang backup on Patti's solo recordings. (The Drew-Vels singles; backup vocals on solo albums) [1960s–1970s]
• Erma Drew - Sister and member of The Drew-Vels; sang backup on Patti's solo recordings. (The Drew-Vels singles; backup vocals on solo albums) [1960s–1970s]
• Carlton Black - Bass vocalist for The Drew-Vels; co-performer on 'Tell Him' and other early singles. ('Tell Him', 'It's My Time', 'I've Known') [1964–1965]
• Fontella Bass - Provided backup vocals on one of Patti Drew's solo albums. (Unspecified album (late 1960s)) [late 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• The 5th Dimension - Recorded their own hit version of 'Workin' on a Groovy Thing' after Patti Drew's original. ('Workin' on a Groovy Thing' (1969)) [late 1960s]
• Chicano oldies artists and soul collectors - Drew's recordings became staples in the Chicano oldies scene and among soul collectors, inspiring later generations. (Her Capitol singles and albums) [1970s–present]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Tell Him (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
2. Workin' On A Groovy Thing (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
3. Hard To Handle (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
4. Fever (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
5. Turn Away From Me (The Soul Of Capitol Records: Rare & Well-Done)
6. He's The One (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
7. Beggar For The Blues (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
8. Stop And Listen (Workin' On A Groovy Thing....The Best Of)
9. Hard To Handle (Mama's Got A Bag Of Her Own)
10. Tell Him (Maquina Del Tiempo | 60's)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia