Van McCoy's untimely sadness in the middle of success

**remicks** · August 9th, 2006, 02:55 AM

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Because I am listening to a remix of McCoy's THE HUSTLE ... I did some searching and found this sad bit of info :

---- The first crushing blow in Van’s life was the sudden death of his mother, from a brain hemorrhage, in October 1973. Shaken and dazed, Van tried to tune out his sorrow with more work. He picked up the plans Lillian had begun for DarDar’s 100th birthday celebration and in August 1974 gave his grandmother a gigantic party on the grounds of his beautiful Washington, D.C. residence. In August 1975 he gave her an even bigger 101st birthday party and she presented him with the certified gold record for the Hustle.8-) Mrs. Ray got to her feet and danced a few bars of the Hustle with him and the media and cameras went wild.8-)8-)

In August 1976 Mrs. Ray, died peacefully at Van’s home, where she lived. Norman, Sr., joined the Van McCoy staff and traveled with his famous son to help comfort him. However, grief and despair carried him downhill physically and emotionally until the end. He was funeralized at his beloved home church and is buried at Lincoln Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland

from : http://www.vanmccoymusic.com/VanMcCo...hy/vanbio2.htm

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**Disco Funk** · August 9th, 2006, 08:45 AM

I've always found McCoy to be a melancholic person. I don't know if he had other issues besides the death of his loved ones. The song 'Story of My Life' which I believe was on My Favorite Fantasy is a really sad song that makes me wonder if McCoy wasn't singing about himself.

Disco Funk

**remicks** · August 13th, 2006, 05:11 PM

Originally Written by Disco Funk

I've always found McCoy to be a melancholic person. I don't know if he had other issues besides the death of his loved ones. The song 'Story of My Life' which I believe was on My Favorite Fantasy is a really sad song that makes me wonder if McCoy wasn't singing about himself.

Disco Funk

Yes .... often melancholic ....
although those few times he managed to translate his sound into something more joyous .....it was most convincing too..... i.e. THIS IS IT Melba Moore

After his beloved grandmother's death came the release of the exquisite Faith Hope and Charity LP : LIFE GOES ON ..... the title must be a reflective reference about her (and his mother's ) recent passing .....

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**Disco Funk** · August 13th, 2006, 06:41 PM

Yes, I do love Life Goes On! I'm not a religious person, but I do find the song 'spiritually' uplifting. It's a universal and timeless message - don't let life's set-backs keep you down. Rise up and move on, because life goes on.

Disco Funk