Sugar Pie DeSanto (1935-2024) was a high energy R & B singer, songwriter and dancer, who rose to prominence in the 50’s and 60’s.

Dubbed “Sugar Pie” by the great R & B band leader Johnny Otis she toured with him as well as James Brown.

Though less than 5” tall - she had a personality and dynamic stage presence that more than made up for her height.

Her notable performances would include: dangling upside down from either the neck or waist of a handsome man- selected from the audience to come on stage!

Born to a black mother and Filipino father she grew up in San Francisco and began her career in the Fillmore district - a black music mecca in the 1950’s.

Recording for Chess Records she had several hits - but there was always humor - for example "Slip-in Mules” her answer to “Hi-Heel Sneakers”!

You can hear her influence on the British invasion groups that would follow - notably the Rolling Stones.

She is remembered as a dynamic personality with a stage routine that would include back flips.

However let us not forget she was the complete package with a strong voice who emerged in the golden period of R & B.

More info here:

https://www.discogs.com/artist/136219-Sugar-Pie-DeSanto