Biography
Varetta Mamie Dillard (February 3, 1933 – October 4, 1993) was a prominent American rhythm and blues singer in the 1950s, best known for her chart-topping hit "Mercy, Mr. Percy." Born in Harlem, New York City, Dillard grew up in a musically inclined family, with parents who were avid dancers. After her father's early death, she and her mother lived with her grandmother in Manhattan. Dillard's musical journey began in earnest when she twice won the Apollo Theater's amateur night competition, impressing audiences with her powerful, gospel-tinged voice and her ability to emulate her idol, Ruth Brown.
Discovered by Savoy Records' Lee Magid while still in high school, Dillard recorded her first session in 1951. She quickly became known for her dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal style, which blended elements of boogie-woogie, swing, and early rock and roll. Her biggest commercial success came with "Mercy, Mr. Percy" in 1953, which reached #6 on the R&B charts and established her as a leading lady of the genre. Dillard continued to record for Savoy and later RCA Victor, collaborating with notable musicians and performing alongside acts like Wynonie Harris and the Joe Thomas Combo. Despite her talent, she never achieved the widespread fame of contemporaries like Ruth Brown or LaVern Baker, but she left behind a respected body of work and influenced the development of R&B and early rock and roll.
Dillard's career waned by the late 1950s, and she eventually left the music industry, later working outside of show business. Nevertheless, her contributions to R&B, particularly as a pioneering female artist in a male-dominated field, have been recognized by music historians. Her recordings remain valued by collectors and aficionados of 1950s rhythm and blues.
Fun Facts
- Dillard was a two-time winner of the Apollo Theater's amateur night, a prestigious launching pad for many legendary artists.
- She was selected to perform at Alan Freed's historic 'Moondog Coronation Ball' in 1952, considered the first major rock and roll concert.
- Her biggest hit, 'Mercy, Mr. Percy,' spent 10 weeks on the R&B charts and peaked at #6 in 1953.
- Dillard sometimes recorded under the name 'Mamie Dillard' after her marriage to Ronald Mack.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ruth Brown - Primary vocal inspiration; Dillard modeled her singing style and stage presence after Brown, even imitating her signature vocal 'squeak.' (Dillard's early Apollo Theater performances) [Early 1950s]
- Lee Magid - A&R man at Savoy Records who discovered Dillard and shaped her early recording career, guiding her musical direction. (Initial Savoy Records sessions) [1951–1955]
Key Collaborators
- Joe Thomas Combo - Performed together during a residency at the Loop Lounge in Cleveland. (Live performances) [October 1953]
- Ronald Mack - Songwriter and Dillard's husband; collaborated on songwriting and music industry projects. (Various songwriting credits) [1953–1950s]
- Arthur Prysock, Joan Shaw, Peppermint Harris, Blues Express Orchestra - Shared the stage as part of a Gale Agency package tour. (Tour performances) [September 1952]
Artists Influenced
- Female R&B vocalists of the 1950s and 1960s - Pioneered crossover R&B styles and opened doors for later women in the genre. (General influence on subsequent R&B recordings) [1950s–1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Send Me Some Money | 1951-12-24 | Album |
| Mercy, Mr Percy | 2013-07-08 | Album |
| R&B Legend '56 - '61 | 2011-06-01 | Album |
| The Lovin' Bird | 2012-04-20 | Album |
| Cherry Blossom | 2014-10-13 | Album |
| Harlem's R&B Jewel - Varetta Dillard in NYC | 2023-09-22 | Album |
| I Love You Just the Same | 2021-07-09 | Album |
| Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered) | 2021-06-18 | Album |
| Honey | 2019-08-28 | Album |
| Honey | 2019-04-20 | Album |
| Cherry Blossom | 2019-01-18 | Album |
| Honey | 2014-09-18 | Album |
| So Many Ways | 2014-07-22 | Album |
| Ace's Wild! The Complete Solo Sides and Sessions | 2012-07-17 | Album |
| The Lovin' Bird | 2012-04-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Easy, Easy Baby
- Mama Don't Want What Papa Don't Want (Send Me Some Money)
- Them There Eyes (Send Me Some Money)
- Mama Don't Want What Papa Don't Want
- Mercy Mr Percy (Send Me Some Money)
- Scorched (Send Me Some Money)
- Them There Eyes
- Them There Eyes (Mercy, Mr Percy)
- Mama Don't Want What Papa Don't Want
- Mercy Mr Percy (Mercy, Mr Percy)
External Links
Tags: #r&b
References
Heard on WWOZ
varetta dillard has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 19:03 | getting ready for my daddy | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |