Sam Dees

Biography

Sam Dees was born on December 17, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, into a large family where his vocal talent emerged early. By age nine, he had won numerous singing contests, formed the vocal group Bossanovians, and began traveling to perform. In the 1950s, he sang with gospel group Southern Tripleaires, later crossing over to R&B clubs in the early 1960s while working odd jobs like truck driving and steel work when gigs were scarce. His recording career started in 1968 with SSS International in Nashville, releasing 'Need You Girl' / 'Lonely for You Baby,' followed by singles on Lolo Records and Clintone Records.[1][2][3][5][6]

Fun Facts

• Recorded early singles like 'Love Starvation' and 'Maryanna' in a former Birmingham church converted to a studio.
• Released his landmark soul album 'The Show Must Go On' on Atlantic Records in 1975, featuring his distinctive falsetto.
• Founded his own labels Moonsong Publishing in 1969 and Pen Pad in the late 1980s, releasing 'Secret Admirer' and later singles.
• Performed at UK's Blackpool Weekender Showcase in the late 1980s, moving audience members to tears with 'After All'.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Shelby Singleton - Record producer who signed him early (SSS International singles like 'Need You Girl') [1965-1968]
• Lenny Sachs - Chess Records executive producer (Singles like 'Love Starvation', 'Maryanna') [Late 1960s-early 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Bossanovians - Vocal group he formed as leader (Early performances) [1950s]
• Southern Tripleaires - Gospel group singer (Gospel performances) [1950s]
• Black Haze Express - Group he recorded under (Singles 'Won't Nobody Listen', 'Black Tattler') [1971-1972]

Artists Influenced

• Atlantic Starr - Wrote hit songs for them ('Am I Dreaming', 'Send for Me') [1980s]
• Larry Graham - Wrote number one R&B single ('One in a Million You') [1980]
• Gladys Knight & the Pips - Wrote number one R&B hit ('Save the Overtime (For Me)') [1983]
• George Benson & Aretha Franklin - Co-wrote duet hit ('Love All the Hurt Away') [1980]
• Whitney Houston - Wrote song for her ('Lover for Life') [1980s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #soul