R.I.P.: Lillian Leach

Lillian Leach (Boyd), whose wistful lead vocals with a 1950s Bronx group called the Mellows helped pave the way for women in soul and R&B, died Friday April 26, 2013. She was 76.

The Mellows formed in 1953 after 16-year-old Lillian Leach met Harold Johnson, John Wilson and Norman “Polecat” Brown at a Forest Avenue house party.

Leach recalled in 1987 that even though their voices blended well, she was shocked when they asked her to join their group.

“Girls didn’t sing in the groups then,” she said. “It was for the boys.” MORE HERE