Motown alum Bertha Barbee-McNeal (“Barbee Doll”) of The Velvelettes passed away December 15 at age 82.
The group’s breakout hit, “Needle In A Haystack,” was released in 1964 and was followed by “He Was Really Saying Something.” Two other songs, “There He Goes” and “That’s The Reason Why,” featured Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
The Velvelettes would out-perform The Supremes at Motown’s Battle of the Stars competitions before The Supremes became a global phenomenon.
Bertha and Mildred Gill, both students at Western Michigan University (WMU), founded the original group. Bertha’s cousin, Norma Barbee; Mildred’s sister, Caldin Gill; and Cal’s friend, Betty Kelley, who later became a member of Martha & The Vandellas, completed the group.
Bertha, an accomplished pianist, taught music at the Helen L. Fox Gospel Music Center in her hometown, Kalamazoo, Michigan. In an interview at WMU for Black History Month, Bertha said, “Music is my life…” The Velvelettes continue to travel and perform throughout the United States and abroad.
The Velvelette’s lead singer Cal said, “I’m so deeply grateful and honored to have known my Bertie. She was my dearest friend and I love her very much. She was such a sweet inspiration to me and so many others who knew her. We traveled and sang all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. Our travels have allowed us to cultivate several friendships and have numerous fans all over the world. Particularly in England, we have several loyal fans. I will cherish Bertha’s love and friendship forever.”
Steve Holsey, former Michigan Chronicle entertainment editor, said, “Sorry to hear about [Bertha]. She seemed so nice. Until now, the Velvelettes were the only Motown group with no passings.”
Priscilla Massie of Allegan, Michigan said, “Bertha taught with my mother at Milwood Junior High, and the kids just loved her so much. My mother put on a lot of parties, and Bertha came, played my mother’s grand piano, sang, just a wonderful person to talk to.” She added, “Bertha will always live on in her Motown music, and her students who learned that ‘music is as important to a good life as good nutrition.”
McNeal is survived by son, Marty McNeal; daughter, Melva Payton; granddaughter, Cydni Payton; and grandson, Spencer Payton.
Funeral arrangements are pending.