Gwen McCrae, a renowned soul-funk singer known as the "Queen of Rare Groove," passed away at the age of 81.

The passing of Gwen McCrae, known to many as "The Queen of Rare Groove," has left a void in the music world. She was 81 years old at the time of her death, and her fans will always remember her for her soulful contributions to the disco genre.

Born as Gwen Mosley in Florida, McCrae began her musical journey alongside her husband, George McCrae, in 1963. The couple signed with Altson and TK Records, but unfortunately, their success was only moderate. In an effort to find her own unique sound, McCrae turned to southern soul, but it wasn't until she shifted her focus to dance music that she caught the attention of audiences with her "Miami sound."

This newfound style not only brought success to McCrae, but it also propelled George to the top of the UK charts with his hit, "Rock Your Baby." However, the pressures of their musical careers began to take a toll on their marriage, ultimately leading to their breakup in 1976. It was during this difficult time that McCrae found solace in her music and poured her heart and soul into creating dance music with deeper, more meaningful lyrics.

One of her biggest hits, "Rockin' Chair," reached number 9 on the Billboard pop charts and solidified McCrae's place in the disco scene. Her distinctive, throaty voice blended perfectly with the sounds of disco, and she continued to release hit after hit, including "90% Of Me Is You" and "All This Love That I'm Givin'."

However, as the early 1980s approached, TK Studios and the record label went under, leading to a decline in McCrae's recording career. But her love for performing never wavered, and she found a new avenue for her talents through live shows in the United Kingdom. She once said, "The only time I'm truly happy is when I'm on that stage, in front of my audience. Then I'm the happiest woman in the world."

McCrae continued to tour until 2012, when tragedy struck while she was performing in England. She suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side and unable to walk. Despite years of treatment, McCrae ultimately passed away from a long-standing illness.

In the United Kingdom, McCrae remains a household name in the disco scene, but her impact on the genre in the United States is not as well-known. However, with the resurgence of the "Miami Sound" and the recognition it is receiving from music historians, McCrae's influence may receive new acclaim and continue to live on in the hearts and minds of music lovers. She will forever be remembered as a pioneer in the disco genre, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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