Born Umpeylia Marsema Balinton, Sugar Pie received her stage name from soul great Johnny Otis, who discovered her and signed her to her first professional contract in 1954. Sugar Pie would perform on her first tour with Otis the following year. She was the most prolific artist on the Chess roster, and Minnie Riperton, Billy Stewart, Fontella Bass, The Whispers, Little Milton, The Dells, and Jesse James have recorded her music, among others. Sugar Pie made over 20 appearances at Harlem?s legendary Apollo Theater, and was spotted at one performance by none other than the "Godfather of Soul" himself, James Brown. Brown recruited Sugar Pie to open his shows on the road, and she toured with him for two years, from 1959-1960. Sugar Pie received a 1999 Bay Area Music Award for Best Female Blues Singer, a 2008 Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and a Lifetime Achievement award in 2009 from the Bay Guardian?s Goldie Awards.
Tracks:
A1. Can't Let You Go
A2. It's Done And Forgotten
A3. It Won't Be Long
A4. Maybe You'll Be There
A5. Going Back To Where I Belong
A6. Wish You Were Mine
B1. I Want To Know
B2. I Don't Feel Sorry
B3. Tell Me What's The Matter
B4. The Twelfth Of Never
B5. It's Not For Me To Say
B6. I Still Care
