Biography
Serving as enduring vocal supporters for R&B legend Ray Charles, the Raelettes balanced the divide between holy and worldly themes, blending gospel-style responsive singing with intense sensuality that propelled Charles toward greater success in both sales and artistry. Their origins trace to the Cookies, a vocal trio assembled in Brooklyn during 1954 by Earl-Jean McCrea, Margie Hendrix, and Pat Lyles. After claiming victory at the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night, the Cookies joined Atlantic Records, where they supported LaVern Baker, Big Joe Turner, and Ruth Brown while also issuing their own material, including the 1956 R&B Top Ten single "In Paradise." Meanwhile Charles brought Mary Ann Fisher aboard for duet performances, and after Atlantic session producer Jesse Stone connected him with the Cookies, he incorporated Fisher into the lineup and renamed the ensemble the Raelettes—a title widely understood as an allusion to his well-known extramarital affairs. Once Fisher and Hendrix chose to stay with Charles on a permanent basis, the remaining Cookies resumed their independent path, which created space for Della Bea Robinson and Darlene McRae to enter the Raelettes. Robinson later became Charles' second wife, while Hendrix gave birth to his son Charles Wayne; onstage, however, the group's contributions stood apart from any personal matters. Their exchanges with Charles conveyed a striking erotic charge for the era, rendering it difficult to envision "The Right Time," "What'd I Say," or "Hit the Road, Jack" achieving comparable impact without their input. Upon launching his Tangerine label in 1965, Charles allowed the Raelettes to record as featured artists, issuing tracks such as "That Goes to Show You," "You Have a Way with Me," and "Bad Water." Several reached modest positions on the R&B charts, yet the ensemble's frequent personnel shifts—among them Minnie Riperton, Merry Clayton, Edna Wright, and later Supreme Susaye Greene—prevented sustained progress. In 1970 former Stax artist Mable John took over lead vocals, writing the Raelettes' single "I Wanna Do Everything for You" and directing an independent Far East tour; her departure in 1976 to pursue ministry studies returned the group permanently to supporting roles, where successive versions continued behind Charles until his death in 2004.