(July 11, 2018) She was not a name known by most music fans, but her work was simply incredible. We are sad to report the death of legendary songwriter Anita Poree.
The Chicago-born songwriter created a dynamite team in the last 60s with Jerry Peters and her brother Greg. Together they provided hits and album cuts to many great artists, but especially for The Friends of Distinction and Eddie Kendricks. A pioneer during a period when women -- and particularly women of color -- were less accepted as popular songwriters, Poree's efforts resulted in a jaw-dropping set of hits, including “Going In Circles” and “Love or Let Me Be Lonely” for the Friends of Distinction, and “Boogie Down” and “Keep On Truckin” for Eddie Kendricks.
Over the years her compositions found there way onto albums by artists as diverse as Jennifer Lopez, D’Angelo, The Gap Band and The Jackson Five.
(July 11, 2018) She was not a name known by most music fans, but her work was simply incredible. We are sad to report the death of legendary songwriter Anita Poree.
The Chicago-born songwriter created a dynamite team in the last 60s with Jerry Peters and her brother Greg. Together they provided hits and album cuts to many great artists, but especially for The Friends of Distinction and Eddie Kendricks. A pioneer during a period when women -- and particularly women of color -- were less accepted as popular songwriters, Poree's efforts resulted in a jaw-dropping set of hits, including “Going In Circles” and “Love or Let Me Be Lonely” for the Friends of Distinction, and “Boogie Down” and “Keep On Truckin” for Eddie Kendricks.
Over the years her compositions found there way onto albums by artists as diverse as Jennifer Lopez, D’Angelo, The Gap Band and The Jackson Five.
Poree was also part of the vocal group Black Magic, which had a brief recording career. She ultimately retired from the music business and spent the latter years of her life writing for the Sonoma County Peace Press and working as an artist with paints.
Anita Poree helped break down walls for women in the music industry, and the benefits of her career continue to be felt today. Rest in Peace, Ms. Poree.
By Chris Rizik