ABOUT
Damita Jo DeBlanc (August 5, 1930 - December 25, 1998), known professionally by her first name, was a veteran R&B/jazz/gospel singer, actress, and comedian who became famous beginning in the early 1950s. She is best known for her answer songs, "I'll Save The Last Dance For You" (1960, in answer to The Drifters' "Save The Last Dance For Me") and "I'll Be There" (1961, in answer to Ben E. King's "Stand By Me"). These songs are exceptional in that they were both Top 40 hits, which is rare for answer songs. She also had minor hits with "Keep Your Hands Off Of Him" (1961) and the Jacques Brel/Rod McKuen ballad, "If You Go Away" (1966).
During the 1950s, Damita Jo was a featured singer on various recordings by Steve Gibson & The Red Caps that included the group's 1952 smash, "I Went To Your Wedding." She later incorporated comedy into her live shows and toured with comedian Redd Foxx.
MERCHANDISE
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- Damita Jo - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- Damita Jo - Digital music - Amazon.com
- Damita Jo - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
SONGS
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Damita Jo
- If You Go Away 1966
(This song later also became a hit for Terry Jacks (1974).) - I'll Be There 1961
(This is an answer song to "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King.) - I'll Save The Last Dance For You 1960
(This is answer song to "Save The Last Dance For Me" by the Drifters.)
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