![\"cind60s\"](\"http:\/\/www.drivingwheel.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/cind60s.gif\")
<\/a><\/h1>\nEarly Life and Family<\/h3>\n
Sundray Tucker, known professionally as Cindy Scott, was born in Philadelphia, the eldest daughter of Louise Tucker and Ira Tucker, the legendary lead singer of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. She is the sister of Lynda Laurence (formerly of The Supremes) and Ira Tucker Jr., who once managed Stevie Wonder.<\/p>\n
Early Career and The Ordettes<\/h3>\n
At the age of 14, while in 9th grade, Sundray joined a Philly group called The Ordettes. Among its members was Patricia Louise Holt, later known as Patti LaBelle. The Ordettes merged with another group, The Del Capris, to form the first lineup of The Bluebells. Initially signed to Rainbow Records, The Bluebells later moved to Harold B. Robinson\u2019s Newtown label in 1962. Ironically, their first hit, I Sold My Heart to the Junkman, was recorded by another of Robinson\u2019s groups, The Chicago Starlets, while The Bluebells were on tour. Sundray remained with the group for two years before being replaced by Cindy Birdsong.<\/p>\n
Solo Beginnings<\/h3>\n
At 16, Sundray made her solo debut with Have It Your Way on Peacock Records, followed by releases such as I\u2019ve Got a Good Thing and Nobody Will. She also collaborated with Bernadelli Productions, writing material alongside Leon Huff of Gamble & Huff fame.<\/p>\n
Cindy Scott Era<\/h3>\n
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In 1968, Sundray signed with Madera White Productions and began recording under the alias Cindy Scott on the Neptune label, avoiding legal conflicts with Don Robey of Peacock Records. The name change was inspired by her resemblance to Cindy Birdsong and her school friend Kay Scott. Her releases as Cindy Scott included the Northern Soul classic I Love You Baby and its B-side In Your Spare Time. She also dueted with her cousin, Bunny Sigler, on We\u2019re Only Human and Conquer the World Together.<\/p>\n
Collaborations and Stevie Wonder<\/h3>\n
In 1970, Sundray joined Ernie Terrell\u2019s group, The Heavyweights, replacing Jean Terrell, who had joined The Supremes. Sundray, her sister Lynda, and Syreeta Wright later formed The Third Generation, the foundation of Stevie Wonder\u2019s Wonderlove. Sundray provided background vocals on Stevie\u2019s Songs in the Key of Life and worked with artists such as Bobby Womack and Melissa Manchester.<\/p>\n
Disco Era and Songwriting<\/h3>\n
Sundray also contributed to the disco era with I Love Lucy, a hit released under The Wilton Street Band. In 1979, Thelma Houston recorded two of Sundray\u2019s songs, Pardon Me and Imaginary Paradise, for her Ready to Roll album.<\/p>\n
1980s and Acting Career<\/h3>\n
In the 1980s, Sundray recorded for TK and Grace Note labels, releasing tracks Ask Millie and Is It Possible. She toured with Gladys Horton\u2019s Marvelettes and performed with The Former Ladies of The Supremes.<\/p>\n
Sundray briefly joined the group in 1993, contributing to the Supreme Voices CD before leaving in 1996 to focus on acting. She appeared in the BET series Ms. Hollywood.<\/p>\n
Return to Music<\/h3>\n
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In 1999, Sundray, reverting to Cindy Scott, teamed up with British producer David Powner to release her first solo album, The Loving Country. The album received critical acclaim, earning a 4.5-star rating from AllMusic. Her UK solo debut in Wolverhampton was recorded and later released as Live and Red Hot in 2002.<\/p>\n
Later Years and Driving Wheel Records<\/h3>\n
In 2004, Cindy released The Loving Country 2. In 2017, she returned with new recordings for Driving Wheel Records, including Life Iza B and Fine Time, cementing her status as a soul music icon.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Singer\/songwriter Sundray Tucker is the sensational Cindy Scott, a Philly soul legend & the First Lady of Soul at Driving Wheel Records. Early Life and Family Sundray Tucker, known professionally as Cindy Scott, was born in Philadelphia, the eldest daughter of Louise Tucker and Ira Tucker, the legendary lead singer of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. She is the sister of Lynda Laurence (formerly of The Supremes) and<\/p>\n