Rose Marie McCoy

African American versatile, influential and prolific songwriter during the 1950's and 1960's.

[b]For "McCoy" credits, do NOT confuse with [a=Van McCoy] ([l=Blackwood Music])[/b] or [a1363850].

Born on April 19, 1922, Oneida, Arkansas – died on January 20, 2015, Champaign, Illinois.

Though most often associated with songs recorded by legendary rhythm & blues artists of the 1950/60's, she also wrote many jazz, pop, rock'n'roll, country & gospel songs.

She traveled to New York City in 1942 from rural Arkansas to begin a music career; but songwriting came naturally to McCoy. In 1954, she teamed up with songwriter [a634420], immediately having a hit with Faye Adams, '[url=https://www.discogs.com/master/900687]It Hurts Me To My Heart[/url]' (#1 R&B hit for 5 weeks). But it wasn't until months later that the song 'Trying to Get to You' (#1 hit for 10 weeks) would catapult both Elvis Presley's and McCoy's careers. The song also written with her writing partner C. Singleton, was originally recorded by a black group called [url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/3166058]The Eagles[/url] in 1954. The partnership lasted eight years during which they penned hits for [a27518] ('I Beg of You'), [a16748], [a520366], [a311742], [a145288] or [a81138] ('It's Gonna Work Out Fine') and many more.

Based for over 60 years in Teaneck, New Jersey, she wrote over 800 songs.

Also seen paired up with these 3 names "McCoy Singleton Mendelsohn" Rose Marie McCoy - [a=Charles Singleton] - [a=Fred Mendelsohn].