Rose Marie McCoy

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 .
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 , 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 (‘I Beg of You’), , , , or (‘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.