Notable Folk: Dooley Silverspoon (b. 1946)

Dooley Silverspoon is a disco soul artist born in Lancaster, South Carolina on October 31, 1946, one of four children.

He started his professional career at the age of 6 in gospel music, taking inspiration from such artists as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, The Gospelaires and Clarence Fountain.

By the time Dooley was 13 he had traveled to New York on tour, which then became his home. In 1972 Dooley made his first record for the Philadelphia-based R&B label North Bay Records. At that time he was recording under the artist name "Little Dooley." The single was called "(It's Got To Be) Now Or Never" and was produced by the legendary Bobby Martin.

Shortly afterward, Dooley met up with his manager, writer and producer, Sonny Casella (aka S.O.N.N.Y.) and they released a follow up single. In Dooley's own words, "It made a little noise, opened the door. You really need that."

• It's Got To Be, North Bay Records (1972)
  
• As Long As You Know, Decap Sound (1975)
• Bump Me Baby, Seville Records (1975)
• Dooley Silverspoon LP, Seville Records (1975)
• Am I Losing You?, Cotton Records (1976)
• Let Me By The No. 1, Seville Records (1976)
• Closer To Loving You, Seville Records (1977)
• Mr. Deluxe, Seville Records (1978)

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NOTE: There is a possibility that Dooley Silverspoon's original surname may have been "Witherspoon," as the song 'Mr. Deluxe' is sometimes credited to "Dooley Witherspoon." Witherspoon is a common surname in the Lancaster, SC area.