Jean DuShon was best known for her recordings in the 1960s, including the first released recording of the song "For Once in My Life" in 1966, although many had not heard her version, and assumed the original recording was by Stevie Wonder.
11 Facts About Jean DuShon
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Jean DuShon turned professional at 15, and began performing in nightclubs.
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Jean DuShon was influenced by such stars Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington, and on one occasion was confronted by an angry Washington who accused her of copying her.
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Jean DuShon studied at the Detroit Conservatory, and attracted the attention of music business agent John Levy, the manager of singer Nancy Wilson.
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Jean DuShon won DuShon singing engagements across the US, and after he and Wilson had a row vowed that he would make DuShon a bigger star than she was.
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Jean DuShon then recorded singles with various labels including Lennox, OKeh and Columbia, before joining Chess Records in 1964.
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The first, Make Way for Jean DuShon, was recorded with the Lou Donaldson quintet and was released on the Argo subsidiary label in 1964.
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Jean DuShon recorded the song, with arrangement by Bart Keyes and production by Esmond Edwards.
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Jean DuShon later said of the failure of "For Once in My Life":.
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Jean DuShon sang and toured with Lloyd Price and Fats Domino, performed in clubs with Ray Charles, sang with Count Basie, and appeared at the 1967 New Jersey Jazz Festival.
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Jean DuShon performed in Blues in the Night, which was nominated for a Tony Award, and replaced Odetta in Little Dreamer: A Night in the Life of Bessie Smith.