African American versatile, influential and prolific songwriter during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
For McCoy credits, do NOT confuse with Van McCoy (Blackwood Music) or Ronald McCoy.
Born on April 19, 1922, Oneida, Arkansas – died on January 20, 2015, Champaign, Illinois.
Though most often associated with songs recorded by legendary rhythm & blues artists of the 1950/60’s, she also wrote many jazz, pop, rock’n’roll, country & gospel songs.
She traveled to New York City in 1942 from rural Arkansas to begin a music career; but songwriting came naturally to McCoy. In 1954, she teamed up with songwriter Charles Singleton, immediately having a hit with Faye Adams, ’It Hurts Me To My Heart’ (#1 R&B hit for 5 weeks). But it wasn’t until months later that the song ’Trying to Get to You’ (#1 hit for 10 weeks) would catapult both Elvis Presley’s and McCoy’s careers. The song also written with her writing partner C. Singleton, was originally recorded by a black group called The Eagles in 1954. The partnership lasted eight years during which they penned hits for Elvis Presley (’I Beg of You’), Eartha Kitt, Eddy Arnold, Big Joe Turner, Nat King Cole or Ike & Tina Turner (’It’s Gonna Work Out Fine’) and many more.
Based for over 60 years in Teaneck, New Jersey, she wrote over 800 songs.

Also seen paired up with these 3 names McCoy Singleton Mendelsohn Rose Marie McCoy - Charles Singleton - Fred Mendelsohn.