Kathi McDonald, Former Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker Vocalist, Dead at 64

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Well-respected blues and rock singer Kathi McDonald, who sang on classic albums by the Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and many others, has died at the age of 64. According to Toronto Blues Diary, McDonald slipped into a coma on Tuesday and never woke up again. No cause of death has been revealed.
McDonald’s long and impressive resume included an early stint as an Ikette with Ike and Tina Turner, with whom she recorded on the ‘Come Together’ album. She went on to sing on a string of classic albums including Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen,’ ‘Be a Brother’ by Big Brother & the Holding Company, and the Stones’ ‘Exile on Main St.’
She also appeared on recordings from artists as diverse as Freddie King, Rita Coolidge, Nils Lofgren, Dave Mason and Delaney & Bonnie, but was perhaps best-known for her 20-year musical relationship with Long John Baldry.
The singer’s 1974 debut solo album ‘Insane Asylum’ included appearances from Aynsley Dunbar, Neal Schon and Ronnie Montrose, but after disappointing sales McDonald did not record another solo disc until ‘Save Your Breath’ in 1994. ‘Above & Beyond’ followed in 1999, and the self-titled ‘Kathi McDonald’ in 2003. In the last years of her life the singer performed with Kathi McDonald & Friends, releasing ‘On With the Show’ in 2010.
“I have have played alongside some great singers but never experienced anyone with a voice like that,” Canadian blues musician Brian Blain wrote in remembrance of McDonald. “I think I heard somewhere that she was Etta James’ favourite singer. She was many singers’ favourite singer.”
McDonald’s record company is asking friends and fans to donate to the Kathi McDonald Life Fund to help with her funeral expenses.