Linda Creed's Swan Song
Three cards were dealt to Philadelphia songwriter Linda Creed that put her in the public spotlight during a prolific career. The first two reflected the gift of her talent - it’s the hand we all want to hold.
1) Linda is the amazing woman credited by music publisher BMI as the co-author of over 135 songs, including these award winners with writing partner Thom Bell:
- Betcha By Golly Wow
- Break Up to Make Up
- Ghetto Child
- I’m Coming Home
- I’m Stone in Love with You
- Mesmerized
- One Man Band
- Rockin’ Roll Baby
- Rubberband Man
- You Are Everything
- You Make Me Feel Brand New
2) On the Spinners double album “Live,” recorded in the Philadelphia region at the old Latin Casino dinner theater in Camden, New Jersey, Linda sings up a storm with The Spinners on “Then Came You."
It’s a treat to hear her perform this song, (she didn’t write this one), a big hit for The Spinners with Dionne Warwick.
That third card Linda was left holding was not so lucky.
3) Linda Creed lost her battle with breast cancer in 1986, and passed away at the age of 37. She learned of her cancer at age 26, fought valiantly, and treasured her remaining time as a mother and wife.
Her talent as a lyricist put her at the top of “The Philly Sound” in the 1970’s and her songs, including “The Greatest Love of All,” reached the top of the charts.
As an honor to her memory, in 1987, a small group of family and friends established the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation.
Linda’s close friend, Lisa Brownstein, began the foundation and served as its first president.
Visit the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, for more information about the important work this organization performs as a support network.
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