Biography
Singer Marcy Joe entered the world as Marcy Rae Sockel in Pittsburgh on April 1, 1944. Under the guidance of local tunesmith and would-be label executive Lennie Martin, she composed “Ronnie” in 1961 as a tribute to her boyfriend Howard. Martin helped shape the track at United Recording Service in Pittsburgh, recruiting background singers that included Lou Sacco, the future pop star Lou Christie. Issued first on Martin’s own Robbee imprint under the Marcy Joe billing, the single became a regional hit and was picked up by Liberty Records for wider release, eventually peaking at number 81 on the Billboard pop survey. Drawing on the departure of Fleetwoods member Gary Troxel for military service, Marcy Joe next offered “Since Gary Went in the Navy,” yet the record could not duplicate its predecessor’s impact. After “Jumping Jack” appeared in late 1961, Robbee ceased operations and the artist moved to Philadelphia’s Swan label, which adjusted her professional name to Marcy Jo. “I’m a Dreamer” surfaced in mid-1962, succeeded by “How Softly a Heart Breaks.” Swan teamed her with singer-songwriter Eddie Rambeau for the 1963 medley “Those Golden Oldies,” then repeated the pairing on “Lover’s Medley,” which stopped just short of the Hot 100. A last solo single, “The Next Time,” prompted Swan to drop her contract, effectively closing her recording career. Accounts indicate she eventually wed the same Howard who had inspired her signature hit.