*Multi-talented singer/composer Don Covay lost his two-decades-long battle with debilitating illness resulting from a massive stroke. According publicist Don Brown, Covay died in his sleep on Saturday morning, January 31, at the age of 78.
Covay composed a litany of hit tunes, such “Mercy Mercy,” which rocketed to #1 R&B on Cashbox in 1964 and became a huge hit for the Rolling Stones in 1965. In that same year, the catchy song “See Saw” became a top-5 R&B hit for Covay on Cashbox, and his composition “Chain of Fools,” a popular R&B classic, became a hit for Aretha Franklin in 1967.
Covay’s career began in the 1950s with the gospel quartet the Cherokees, and his secular career began with the Rainbows, a group whose members included crooners Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart.
According to his daughter, Ursula Covay, final arrangements are under way and are expected to be completed within days.
For MORE about Don Covay, see his Wikipedia page, here.
Check out Don Covay’s classic 1964 hit “Have Mercy”:
(Don Covay: Veteran R&B Singer-Composer Dies at 78)
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