GWEN (“the voice of Rose Royce”) DICKEY has to be one of the hardest working women in the crazy soul business. As the legendary voice of the “Carwashers” she’s sold millions of records worldwide with classics like the Grammy-winning (of course) ‘Car Wash’, ‘Wishing on a Star’, ‘I’m Going Down,’ ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ and many others.
Since the demise of the group, Ms D’s been in constant demand at soul festivals weekenders and package shows throughout the world. Sadly Gwen was injured in a fall from a ladder at her home in London in 2010. The injury to her spine confined her to a wheelchair but this has not stopped her performing globally to loving audiences. Recently she has been having therapy and has been training to stand. It’s early days and we’re told that the treatment will take time.
Oddly, though, for someone so storied and the possessor of a classic soul voice, Gwen’s solo recorded output isn’t that prolific. She did cut some records in the late 80s and early 90s – but not that many.
Thus we’re delighted to report that Gwen has just released a lovely four track EP – ‘This Is Gwen Dickey’. The EP is a collaboration with producer, songwriter, and guitarist Eric Jackson (who has worked with artists like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Usher, and Robin Thicke) and songwriter/producer Robert Elijah Storm Daniels (whose credits include Usher, Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, and Lil Wayne) and it really does offer something for very soul taste.
The focus track is a soulful mid-tempo groove, ‘I’m Gonna Be With You’. ‘Under The Moonlight’ is a lush ballad, ‘Water’ is a lithe, gentle Latin dancer – not too frantic mind you while ’With This Love’ is a gorgeous, old school ballad – redolent of prime time Dionne Warwick. This one is the mini album standout – one of those wonderful tracks that makes you realise why you got mixed up in the aforementioned crazy soul world in the first place and it also reminds you that in this business, there is no substitute for experience and a magical, warm voice
Gwen Dickey – welcome back! The EP’s out now and is recommended!
