Ravan, Genya (1942–)

views updated

Ravan, Genya (1942–)

Polish-American musician. Name variations: Goldie Zelkowitz; The Escorts; Goldie and the Gingerbreads. Born Goldie Zelkowitz, 1942, in Lodz, Poland.

Grew up in New York's Lower East Side; began music career as lead singer with the Escorts; led the 1st all-female band, Goldie and the Gingerbreads (1962–67); with Gingerbreads, moved to England, where they were extremely successful, touring with Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, and Kinks; changed name to Genya Ravan and formed jazz-blues band, Ten Wheel Drive (1969); formed band Baby (1971), which toured with Sly and the Family Stone; albums include They Love Me/They Love Me Not (1973), Urban Desire (1978), and And I Mean It (1979); founded Polish Records (1980); performed with Gingerbreads in 30-year reunion show.