Big Dee Irwin

Big Dee Irwin was an American singer best known for his collaborations with Little Eva and his solo recordings in the 1960s. Here are some key facts about this talented performer:

1. Early Career and Collaboration with Little Eva: Big Dee Irwin, born DiFosco T. Ervin Jr. on July 6, 1932, in Harlem, New York City, began his music career in the 1950s as a member of the group The Pastels. In the early 1960s, Irwin collaborated with singer Little Eva on the song "Swinging on a Star". The duet became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963. Their collaboration showcased Irwin's smooth tenor voice and Little Eva's distinctive vocals, earning them recognition in the music industry.

2. Solo Career and Chart Success: Following his collaboration with Little Eva, Big Dee Irwin pursued a solo career and released several singles in the mid-1960s. In 1963, he scored a solo hit with the song "Happy Being Fat", which reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Irwin's follow-up single, "Another Night With the Boys", also achieved moderate success. His solo recordings showcased his soulful voice and knack for delivering heartfelt performances, earning him a dedicated fan base.

3. Variety of Musical Styles: Big Dee Irwin's music encompassed a variety of musical styles, including doo-wop, soul, R&B, and pop. His recordings often featured catchy melodies, lush arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics, reflecting the musical trends of the 1960s. Irwin's versatility as a vocalist allowed him to experiment with different genres and adapt to changing musical tastes, demonstrating his adaptability and creativity as an artist.

4. Collaborations and Legacy: Throughout his career, Big Dee Irwin collaborated with various artists and musicians, including Little Eva, The Pastels, and others. While he may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of his contemporaries, Irwin's contributions to the music industry are notable. His smooth vocals, charismatic stage presence, and memorable recordings left an indelible mark on the music of the 1960s, earning him recognition as a talented and influential performer.

5. Later Years and Impact: After the 1960s, Big Dee Irwin continued to perform and record music sporadically, although he did not achieve the same level of chart success as he had earlier in his career. Nevertheless, his contributions to the music industry remain significant, and his recordings continue to be celebrated by fans of 1960s music. Big Dee Irwin's legacy as a soulful vocalist and versatile performer lives on, reminding listeners of his enduring talent and musical contributions.

In summary, Big Dee Irwin was a talented American singer known for his collaborations with Little Eva and his solo recordings in the 1960s. His smooth tenor voice, versatile musical style, and memorable performances left an indelible mark on the music of the era, earning him recognition as a talented and influential