Jackie Verdell

Gospel & Soul singer, Jackie Verdell (born, November 5, 1937 – died, August 3, 1991) was originally the second lead singer of the gospel group The Davis Sisters. She was a mezzo-soprano; singing lead on songs such as "Lord Don't Leave Me", "Following Him", "We'll Understand It Better By And By" and "I Don't Know What I'd Do.” Jackie later had a solo career several times over the years singing gospel and secular music. She recorded secular material for Peacock Records, Decca (2), Coral, and Respect Records (6) (where she was known as Jacqui Verdell), also background sessions for Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and others. She also recorded the song "Kumbaya" which she had recorded on a Rev. Jesse Jackson “Push For Excellence” program. She was nominated for a Grammy for but did not win. She rejoined The Davis Sisters again in 1981 for their last album. Jackie Verdell also did a final solo recording as a gospel album for Spring Records in 1983, released internationally by Sire/WEA.