Singer. A popular vocalist who typified the 'Philly Sound' of the 1960s, she is remembered for a long performing and recording career that took her to major venues on both sides of the Atlantic. Raised initially in New York City, she was a child prodigy who started at the top at age five, singing "Steam Heat" from "The Pajama Game" at Carnegie Hall to a good reception. Later educated in the Philadelphia schools, she partnered with her mother as a church singer and launched herself professionally at 12 by signing with Chancellor Records, her initial offering, "Today's the Day", reaching #1 in Philadelphia while her follow-up entitled "Dancin' in the Strand" made the national "Billboard" charts. During the next few years, Maureen built up her skills and popularity at local gigs and on the radio, then after high school moved to New York City. After cutting a few sides for Mercury Records including "Goodbye Baby", she relocated to London; based there for many years, she performed and recorded with such legends as George Harrison, John Lennon, David Bowie, and Eric Clapton. Maureen formed her own 'Pop-Rock' group called Girl Talk and traveled throughout Europe, in her concerts accompanying herself on the piano and guitar. She later lived in California and was a regular on the West Coast music circuit. In her final months she returned to Philadelphia in order to care for her aged mother, though she soon died of biliary duct carcinoma. At her demise a number of her records remained available.
Singer. A popular vocalist who typified the 'Philly Sound' of the 1960s, she is remembered for a long performing and recording career that took her to major venues on both sides of the Atlantic. Raised initially in New York City, she was a child prodigy who started at the top at age five, singing "Steam Heat" from "The Pajama Game" at Carnegie Hall to a good reception. Later educated in the Philadelphia schools, she partnered with her mother as a church singer and launched herself professionally at 12 by signing with Chancellor Records, her initial offering, "Today's the Day", reaching #1 in Philadelphia while her follow-up entitled "Dancin' in the Strand" made the national "Billboard" charts. During the next few years, Maureen built up her skills and popularity at local gigs and on the radio, then after high school moved to New York City. After cutting a few sides for Mercury Records including "Goodbye Baby", she relocated to London; based there for many years, she performed and recorded with such legends as George Harrison, John Lennon, David Bowie, and Eric Clapton. Maureen formed her own 'Pop-Rock' group called Girl Talk and traveled throughout Europe, in her concerts accompanying herself on the piano and guitar. She later lived in California and was a regular on the West Coast music circuit. In her final months she returned to Philadelphia in order to care for her aged mother, though she soon died of biliary duct carcinoma. At her demise a number of her records remained available.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
Advertisement
See more Gray memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
