February 9, 2000 12:07

DORIS 'COLEY' JACKSON 1941-2000

Vocalist from one of the most influential girl groups of all time dies from cancer...

DORIS JACKSON a singer with legendary girl group THE SHIRELLES, died last week (February 4) of breast cancer in a Sacramento hospital. She was 58.

Along with fellow Shirelles Shirley Alston Reeves, Beverly Lee and the last Addie 'Micki' Harris, the group began their career in 1957 at a high school talent show in New Jersey, singing their own song 'I Met Him On Sunday'.

Following the show, a friend introduced the girls to independent record producer Florence Greenberg who helped them record the song. Soon after they met up with 60s girl group svengali Phil Spector who produced The Shirelles a string of hits in the early 60s, including 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow', 'Tonight's The Night', 'Soldier Boy', 'Baby It's You' and 'Dedicated To The One I Love', featuring Jackson on lead vocals.

The last recorded performance of The Shirelles was in 1996 at their old high school, but Jackson went on to sing around the US, despite her battle with cancer.

Jackson is survived by three sons, one daughter, two sisters and a brother.