Gladys Horton, Marvelettes Lead Singer, Dies at 66

Gladys Horton, whose powerful voice earned her group-- The Marvelettes-- the distinction of being the first girl group signed to Motown, died Wednesday in Sherman Oaks, CA from complications related to a stroke.

Horton's work with the fellow members of her group and their smash hit "Please Mr. Postman," with Marvin Gaye on the drums, opened the door for other girl groups such as The Ronettes and The Supremes.

My mother died peacefully," Horton's son, Vaughn Thornton, said in a statement from the Motown Alumni Association. "She fought as long as she could."

Horton co-founded the group with other members of her Glee Club in Michigan. Their original name was "The Casinyets," which stood for "can't sing yet."

Despite the ironic name, Horton's teacher noticed the group's talents and arranged an audition with Berry Gordy. The soon to be classic label was just two years old at the time and had never worked with an all-girl group.

It was Horton's strong voice that helped the label take the chance at signing an all-girl singing group.

Horton eventually and reluctantly became the lead singer and was only 15 when Motown released "Please Mr. Postman." The song shot to the lead spot on Billboard's Hot 100 and was Motown's first number one record.

"Gladys was a very, very special lady, and I loved the way she sang with her raspy, soulful voice," Gordy said through a spokesperson. "We will all miss her, and she will always be a part of the Motown family."

Over the years, The Marvelettes had 23 singles on Billboard's Hot 100. Some of the group's hits include: "Playboy," "Beechwood 4-5789," "Too Many Fish in the Sea," and "Don't Mess With Bill." Horton was replaced as leader singer in 1965 and left the group two years later.

She continued to travel and perform as "Gladys Horton of the Marvelettes" because she did not own The Marvelettes' name. Horton fought for many years to win back the name because she had sang lead on most of the group's biggest hits.

Horton traveled and performed regularly until she suffered a stroke last year.

"Love comes in two directions, from your hearts to us and from our hearts to you, and it has always been that way!" Horton wrote in a statement when she made the decision to stop touring.

Horton is survived by her two sons.

This ground-breaking group has yet to win election to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since Horton died before the group was able to receive the honor, doing so in the near future would seem like a fitting tribute.