Sundray Tucker
Encyclopedia
Sundray Tucker is an American singer. She is the eldest daughter of the late Ira Tucker
(of The Dixie Hummingbirds
) and Louise Tucker. Her sister is Lynda Laurence
of The Supremes
, and her brother is Ira Tucker Jr.
, under the name The Ordettes and left the group due to troubles in school before the group changed its name to the Blue Belles (later Bluebelles). Sundray also performed under the name Cindy Scott. Her most notable single was the Northern Soul classic 'I Love You Baby', backed with 'In Your Spare Time'. The track has a great stomping beat and sounds very much like a Motown produced Kim Weston
-styled single.
In 1967, Sundray joined The Three Degrees
and performed alongside Fayette Pinkney and Sheila Ferguson for touring purposes only.
on a tour to promote Signed, Sealed & Delivered in late 1969. The group were known as The Third Generation, which in turned became Stevie's resident backing group, Wonderlove. Sundray's stay with this group was relatively short-lived as she joined Ernie Terrell and the Heavyweights as lead vocalist, replacing departing member Jean Terrell
. In 1976 Sundray performed background vocals for Stevie Wonder's critically acclaimed album, Songs in the Key of Life
, providing backing vocals for several tracks, most notably on "Ordinary Pain".
to be replaced by Cindy Birdsong
. In turn Cindy would leave the group in 1967 to replace departing Supreme Florence Ballard
. In 1970 Sundray was recruited to replace Jean Terrell
from Ernie Terrell and The Heavyweights as lead vocalist of the group. Jean, in her turn was replacing Diana Ross
in The Supremes. In 1972 Supremes member Cindy Birdsong announced she would be retiring from the group to concentrate on family life and her initial thought as an ideal replacement was Sundray. Sundray auditioned for the part, but due to contractual obligations was unable to replace Cindy in The Supremes, however her sister Lynda Laurence
joined The Supremes Jean Terrell
and Mary Wilson
.
and was replaced by Sundray who quickly established herself as a fan favorite. In the summer of 1996, Sundray left the FLOS to concentrate on other projects, and was subsequently replaced by Freddi Poole
.
As Cindy Scott And The Cousins - Benn Lee Records
As Cindy Scott
Duets with Bunny Sigler - Neptune Records
As Sundray Tucker:
and Lynda Laurence and was asked to replace departing member Jean Terrell in the Former Ladies of the Supremes
. Sundray made her stage debut with Lynda and Scherrie on a tour of Japan in March 1993 and quickly established herself as a fan favorite. The following year Sundray made her recording debut with the group when she appeared on the autumn release of the album 'Supreme Voices'. Sundray had one solo lead track, 'I'm A Fool For Love', as well as splitting lead vocal chores with Scherrie and Lynda on a remake of the George Benson classic 'Give Me The Night'. A re-recording of the Supremes classic 1970 hit 'Up The Ladder To The Roof' is another highlight on this album, as is the studio version of the ladies' show-stopper, 'How Do You Keep The Music Playing', a dramatic rendition of the classic tune.
The following year another album, this time for British producer Steve Weaver was released. Entitled 'Supremely Yours' with liner notes by noted Motown historian Sharon Davis, this album equalled 'Supreme Voices'. Sundray featured on several shared-lead tracks with Scherrie and Lynda, notably 'Feel Like Making Love', 'Stop To Love' and another '70s Supremes glorious re-make, 'Touch'. Solo leads on the album include 'Stop! I Don't Need No Sympathy', 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and 'Just Like That'.
Whilst with the group Sundray re-recorded her own hit 'I Love You Baby' which was expected for release on the follow-up album to 'Supremely Yours'. The album project was postponed and ultimately cancelled. In its place the enormous task of re-recording the Supremes songbook was undertaken by the group. It has been reported, but not confirmed, that other tracks were recorded by Sundray whilst with the group that still await the light of day. One of the unreleased tracks, composed by Sundray and entitled 'Nervous' was recorded in April 1996.
In summer 2000, Sundray/Cindy made her UK solo stage debut at the Patshull Golf & Country Club outside Wolverhampton in England. The show was recorded and subsequently released as a souvenir album to limited release in 2002 under the title 'Live and Red Hot'.
Cindy's follow-up studio album, 'The Loving Country 2' was released in 2004.
Ira Tucker
Ira Tucker Sr. was the lead singer with the American gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. He was with The Dixie Hummingbirds for 70 years, from 1938, when he joined at age 13, until his death from cardiovascular disease on June 24, 2008. Ira is the father of Sundray Tucker, Ira Tucker Jr., and...
(of The Dixie Hummingbirds
The Dixie Hummingbirds
The Dixie Hummingbirds are an influential American gospel music group, spanning more than 80 years from the jubilee quartet style of the 1920s, through the "hard gospel" quartet style of Gospel's golden age in the 1940s and 1950s, to the eclectic pop-tinged songs of today.-History:Formed in 1928 in...
) and Louise Tucker. Her sister is Lynda Laurence
Lynda Laurence
Lynda Laurence is an American singer. She is best known for being a part of two Motown acts: Stevie Wonder's backup group Wonderlove, and one of the post-Diana Ross versions of The Supremes...
of The Supremes
The Supremes
The Supremes, an American female singing group, were the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s.Originally founded as The Primettes in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959, The Supremes' repertoire included doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway show tunes, psychedelic soul, and disco...
, and her brother is Ira Tucker Jr.
Early career
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sundray was a member of an earlier version of Patti LaBelle and the BluebellesLabelle
Labelle is an American all female singing group who were a popular vocal group of the 1960s and 1970s. The group was formed after the disbanding of two rival girl groups in the Philadelphia/Trenton areas, the Ordettes and the Del-Capris, forming as a new version of the former group, later changing...
, under the name The Ordettes and left the group due to troubles in school before the group changed its name to the Blue Belles (later Bluebelles). Sundray also performed under the name Cindy Scott. Her most notable single was the Northern Soul classic 'I Love You Baby', backed with 'In Your Spare Time'. The track has a great stomping beat and sounds very much like a Motown produced Kim Weston
Kim Weston
Kim Weston is an American soul singer, and Motown alumna. In the 1960s, Weston scored hits with the songs "Love Me All the Way" and "Take Me in Your Arms ".-Career:...
-styled single.
In 1967, Sundray joined The Three Degrees
The Three Degrees
The Three Degrees are an American female vocal group. Formed in 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,, the group has always been a trio though there have been a number of personnel changes and a total of fourteen women have represented the group so far. The original members were Fayette Pinkney,...
and performed alongside Fayette Pinkney and Sheila Ferguson for touring purposes only.
Stevie Wonder
Sundray joined her sister Lynda and third member Terri Hendricks on the road as back-up vocalists for Stevie WonderStevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
on a tour to promote Signed, Sealed & Delivered in late 1969. The group were known as The Third Generation, which in turned became Stevie's resident backing group, Wonderlove. Sundray's stay with this group was relatively short-lived as she joined Ernie Terrell and the Heavyweights as lead vocalist, replacing departing member Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell is an American R&B and jazz singer. She replaced Diana Ross as the lead singer of The Supremes in January 1970.-Early life and career:...
. In 1976 Sundray performed background vocals for Stevie Wonder's critically acclaimed album, Songs in the Key of Life
Songs in the Key of Life
Songs in the Key of Life is the 13th album by American recording artist Stevie Wonder, released September 28, 1976, on Motown Records. It was the culmination of his "classic period" albums. An ambitious double LP with a 4-song bonus EP, Songs in the Key of Life became among the best-selling and...
, providing backing vocals for several tracks, most notably on "Ordinary Pain".
The Supremes
Throughout her long career, Sundray has held a connection to The Supremes in one way or another. Starting off in 1962, Sundray left the group The Ordettes and group member Patti LaBellePatti LaBelle
Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards , better known under the stage name, Patti LaBelle, is a Grammy Award winning American singer, author and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry...
to be replaced by Cindy Birdsong
Cindy Birdsong
Cynthia Ann "Cindy" Birdsong , better known by her stage name, Cindy Birdsong, is an American singer, most famous for singing with the legendary soul groups Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and The Supremes.-Early life:...
. In turn Cindy would leave the group in 1967 to replace departing Supreme Florence Ballard
Florence Ballard
Florence Glenda Ballard Chapman was an American singer and a founding member of the Motown group The Supremes. From 1963 until 1967, Ballard sang on 16 Top 40 hit Supremes' singles, ten of which hit number-one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1967, Motown CEO Berry Gordy decided to remove Ballard from...
. In 1970 Sundray was recruited to replace Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell is an American R&B and jazz singer. She replaced Diana Ross as the lead singer of The Supremes in January 1970.-Early life and career:...
from Ernie Terrell and The Heavyweights as lead vocalist of the group. Jean, in her turn was replacing Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
in The Supremes. In 1972 Supremes member Cindy Birdsong announced she would be retiring from the group to concentrate on family life and her initial thought as an ideal replacement was Sundray. Sundray auditioned for the part, but due to contractual obligations was unable to replace Cindy in The Supremes, however her sister Lynda Laurence
Lynda Laurence
Lynda Laurence is an American singer. She is best known for being a part of two Motown acts: Stevie Wonder's backup group Wonderlove, and one of the post-Diana Ross versions of The Supremes...
joined The Supremes Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell
Jean Terrell is an American R&B and jazz singer. She replaced Diana Ross as the lead singer of The Supremes in January 1970.-Early life and career:...
and Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson (singer)
Mary Wilson is an American singer, formerlymember of the Motown female singing group The Supremes during the 1960s and 1970s. Wilson was the only singer to be a consistent member of the group in its eighteen-year tenure...
.
Former Ladies of the Supremes
In 1993, Jean Terrell departed the Former Ladies of the SupremesFormer Ladies of the Supremes
The Former Ladies of the Supremes, or FLOS, is a singing group that was formed by former Supremes members Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne, in 1986...
and was replaced by Sundray who quickly established herself as a fan favorite. In the summer of 1996, Sundray left the FLOS to concentrate on other projects, and was subsequently replaced by Freddi Poole
Freddi Poole
Freddi Poole, born September 12th, is an African-American singer, known best for her work with the Former Ladies of the Supremes and The Three Degrees.-Biography:...
.
Solo career
As Sandra Kay Tucker - Peacock Records- Have It Your Way / I've Got A Good Thing
- Nobody Will (unissued)
- Step By Step (unissued)
As Cindy Scott And The Cousins - Benn Lee Records
- What Are You Doing To Me (unissued)
- I Got News (unissued)
- Lazy Lover (unissued)
As Cindy Scott
- I Love You Baby / In Your Spare Time - Veep Records
- I've Been Loving You Too Long / Time Can Change A Love - Veep Records
- The Loving Country (Album) - Driving Wheel Records
- Return To The Loving Country (Album) - Driving Wheel Records
- The Loving Country / I've Been Loving You Too Long - DWR
- In Love Maybe (2009 Radio Mix) / In Love Maybe (Original Version) - Driving Wheel Records
- Remember Me (Diva Mix) / Surrender (2008 Mix) / The Loving Country (Piano Mix)/ Remember Me (2010 Remix) - Driving Wheel Records
- Take Me Higher (2010 Remix) - Driving Wheel Records
- Killing Me Softly (2010 Ibiza Mix) - Driving Wheel Records
- The Soul of Cindy Scott (Album) - Driving Wheel Records
Duets with Bunny Sigler - Neptune Records
- Sure Didn't Take Long
- We're Only Human
- Conquer The World Together
As Sundray Tucker:
- Do Re Mi (unissued)
- Don't Know How (unissued)
- My Melody (unissued)
- Said What I Said (unissued)
- You Should Rock, You Should Roll (unissued)
- The Last Grand Dance
- Mr Lovin'
- Tutti Frutti
- In Love Maybe (unissued)
- If It Was Me/ Ask Millie - TK Records
- Fancy Dancer (unissued) - TK Records
- Try My Love / Is It Possible - Grace Note Records
- Nervous (unissued)
Former Ladies of the Supremes
In early 1993, Sundray was approached by Scherrie PayneScherrie Payne
Scherrie Payne is an American singer. The younger sister of singer/actress Freda Payne, Scherrie Payne was the co-lead singer of The Supremes from 1973 to 1977, after Jean Terrell left the group in the fall of 1973...
and Lynda Laurence and was asked to replace departing member Jean Terrell in the Former Ladies of the Supremes
Former Ladies of the Supremes
The Former Ladies of the Supremes, or FLOS, is a singing group that was formed by former Supremes members Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence and Scherrie Payne, in 1986...
. Sundray made her stage debut with Lynda and Scherrie on a tour of Japan in March 1993 and quickly established herself as a fan favorite. The following year Sundray made her recording debut with the group when she appeared on the autumn release of the album 'Supreme Voices'. Sundray had one solo lead track, 'I'm A Fool For Love', as well as splitting lead vocal chores with Scherrie and Lynda on a remake of the George Benson classic 'Give Me The Night'. A re-recording of the Supremes classic 1970 hit 'Up The Ladder To The Roof' is another highlight on this album, as is the studio version of the ladies' show-stopper, 'How Do You Keep The Music Playing', a dramatic rendition of the classic tune.
The following year another album, this time for British producer Steve Weaver was released. Entitled 'Supremely Yours' with liner notes by noted Motown historian Sharon Davis, this album equalled 'Supreme Voices'. Sundray featured on several shared-lead tracks with Scherrie and Lynda, notably 'Feel Like Making Love', 'Stop To Love' and another '70s Supremes glorious re-make, 'Touch'. Solo leads on the album include 'Stop! I Don't Need No Sympathy', 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and 'Just Like That'.
Whilst with the group Sundray re-recorded her own hit 'I Love You Baby' which was expected for release on the follow-up album to 'Supremely Yours'. The album project was postponed and ultimately cancelled. In its place the enormous task of re-recording the Supremes songbook was undertaken by the group. It has been reported, but not confirmed, that other tracks were recorded by Sundray whilst with the group that still await the light of day. One of the unreleased tracks, composed by Sundray and entitled 'Nervous' was recorded in April 1996.
Revival
In 1999, it was announced that independent UK label Driving Wheel Records had signed Sundray Tucker. By this time Sundray had reverted to her earlier stage name of Cindy Scott. Owner/Producer David Powner oversaw the creation of the album. Providing backing vocals was longtime friend and former Persianette Vera Carey. The resulting album 'The Loving Country' was released in the autumn of 1999 and received a 4.5 star (out of 5) rating at Allmusic.In summer 2000, Sundray/Cindy made her UK solo stage debut at the Patshull Golf & Country Club outside Wolverhampton in England. The show was recorded and subsequently released as a souvenir album to limited release in 2002 under the title 'Live and Red Hot'.
Cindy's follow-up studio album, 'The Loving Country 2' was released in 2004.