A big soul mama who crossed over into the 1980s dance scene, Gwen Guthrie was a
proud advocate of gay rights and talented songwriter. Raised in Newark, New
Jersey, Guthrie studied classical music and piano as a child before singing with
vocal groups The Ebonettes and the Matchmakers and getting her big break as a
backing singer for Aretha Franklin. She worked as a session musician, sang radio
commercial jingles and penned songs for Roberta Flack and Sister Sledge, as well
as writing Ben E. King's US Top Five hit Supernatural. Striking up a partnership
with reggae producers Sly An...