Marva Whitney

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Marva Whitney (born Marva Ann Manning on May 1, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas) is an African American funk singer. She is considered by many funk enthusiasts to be one of the "rawest" and "brassiest" music divas.[1]

Whitney's performing career started as early as three years old while touring with her family's gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers. Singing with James Brown in the late 1960s, she was able to make a name for herself with powerful songs like "I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired (Things Better Change Before Its Too Late)" and "If You Don't Work (You Can't Eat)." Her recording of "It's My Thing (You Can't Tell Me Who to Sock It To)" reached the R&B Top 20. Her song "Unwind Yourself" has been sampled numerous times, most recognisably by DJ Chad Jackson on his 1990 hit single "Hear The Drummer Get Wicked", and by DJ Kool in his 1996 hit "Let Me Clear My Throat".

[edit] External links

• Official homepage
• Marva Whitney biography at All Music Guide
• Telephone interview with Marva Whitney at WeFunk Radio