Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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United States Marcella Detroit, known for her powerful vocals and songwriting, has contributed significantly to pop and rock music, working with artists from Eric Clapton to Shakespears Sister.
Marcy Levy sang lead on, and co-wrote, "Lay Down Sally," which was a #3 hit in the USA in 1978. She toured and recorded with him for 5 years and co-wrote his songs "The Core" and "Tangled in Love" in addition to performing backing vocals on many of his enduring songs like "Promises" and "Wonderful Tonight."
Marcella Detroit formed the duo Shakespears Sister with Siobhan Fahey in 1988. They had a #1 hit with 'Stay,' which topped the UK charts for eight consecutive weeks in 1992, and both their albums 'Sacred Heart' and 'Hormonally Yours' reached the UK Albums Chart Top 10.
Marcella Detroit competed in the 2010 ITV series 'Popstar to Operastar', finishing third.
Marcy Levy sang backing vocals for Bob Seger on his studio album 'Back in '72' and toured with him.
Marcy Levy was asked by Leon Russell to join him on tour after her work with Bob Seger.
Marcy Levy duetted with Alice Cooper on the song 'Millie and Billie' from his 1978 studio album 'From the Inside.'
Marcy Levy sang a duet with Robin Gibb, 'Help Me!', which was featured on the soundtrack of the film 'Times Square' and reached number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Marcella Detroit released 'Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing', a duet with Elton John, which peaked at number 24 in the UK.
Detroit collaborated with Billie Hughes and Roxanne Seeman to write 'Walking on the Chinese Wall' for Philip Bailey, which was a #34 hit in the UK and #46 in the US.
Detroit co-wrote the metal band Vixen's 1989 single 'Love Made Me,' which was a top 40 hit in the UK.
Marcella Detroit appeared on a charity cover version of Robbie Williams' 'Angels' with Tony Hadley, Jools Holland, Clem Burke, and Glen Matlock in 2021.
Marcella Levy, born on June 21, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, embarked on her musical journey in the early 1970s. She began her career playing in various bands in her hometown, quickly gaining recognition for her vocal talent. Her initial major collaboration was with Bob Seger, where she provided backing vocals on his 1973 album “Back in ’72” and toured with him. Following this, Leon Russell invited her to join his tour.
A pivotal period in her career began when she joined Eric Clapton’s band, touring and recording with him for five years. During this time, she co-wrote the 1977 hit “Lay Down Sally” and contributed to other notable songs like “Promises” and “Wonderful Tonight.” She also sang lead vocals on “Roll It” and co-wrote “The Core” on Clapton’s 1978 album “Backless.” While working on her solo material, Levy also wrote and sang for numerous established artists, including Aretha Franklin, Burt Bacharach, and Al Jarreau. Her collaboration with Robin Gibb resulted in the duet “Help Me!,” which reached number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Her debut solo album, “Marcella,” was released in 1982 through Epic Records, though it did not achieve commercial success. After a brief return to touring with Clapton, she once again pursued her solo career.
In 1988, Levy, adopting the name Marcella Detroit, co-founded Shakespears Sister with Siobhan Fahey. The duo achieved significant success with their albums “Sacred Heart” (1989) and “Hormonally Yours” (1992), both reaching the UK Albums Chart top 10. Detroit sang lead vocals on their number one hit “Stay,” which topped the UK Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks in 1992. After leaving Shakespears Sister in 1993, she continued her solo career, releasing the album “Jewel” (1994), which included the UK top 20 hit “I Believe.” She later formed the Marcy Levy Band in 2002, returning to her blues roots. In 2010, she placed third in the ITV series “Popstar to Operastar” and has since released several more solo albums and reunited with Shakespears Sister in 2019 for a tour and new music.
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