Pass the Gravy

Dee Dee Sharp (September 9, 1945) became an international star thanks to a novelty dance ditty she recorded in 1962, "Mashed Potato Time." Surprisingly, even the soundalike follow-up, "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" became a major hit, and the diminutive Philadelphia lass with the powerful voice notched up an impressive run of hits for the next two years.



Most of Dee Dee's hits had a decidedly raucous, dance-themed vibe: "Ride!", "Wild," "Rock Me in the Cradle of Love," etc. As the fad for dance crazes died down, and Dee Dee attempted to move into more sophisticated territory, the hits dried up. Despite her magnificent voice, as one rock historian put it, "the mashed potato stuck." Still, Dee Dee never stopped recording; marrying record producer Kenny Gamble, she began performing as Dee Dee Sharp Gamble and made a series of highly-sought-after singles in the late 1960's and early 1970's in a more soulful vein. It wasn't until the mid-1970's, however, when her husband helped to form the PIR (Philadelphia International Records) label, that Dee Dee came into renewed public prominence. Her three albums from that period are acclaimed as her best, and in 1981, she culminated her stay at PIR with a #1 Dance hit, "Breaking and Entering," culled from her final album, simply titled Dee Dee.



Perhaps the main reason for Dee Dee Sharp's failure to scale the heights her talent deserved is that, apart of her teen dance hits, she never really forged a strong identity for herself as a vocalist. Her late 60's recordings bear a strong Aretha Franklin influence; her Quiet Storm recordings for PIR are an obvious nod to Nancy Wilson's then-current style; and her biggest disco hit, "Breaking and Entering," sounds an awful lot like Linda Clifford (complete with sassy "rap"). Dee Dee had the chops; she just never properly learned how to package herself as a distinct stylist. Still, that wonderful voice is always worth listening to, and Dee Dee has many fans who slavishly collect all of her often hard-to-find recordings. Happy Birthday, Dee Dee Sharp! From mashed potatoes to Crisco Disco, we've loved you all along.