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Wendy Rene

Wendy Rene, born Mary Frierson in Memphis, Tennessee, and later known as Mary Cross, was an American soul singer and songwriter who became a fleeting but beloved figure of the 1960s Memphis music scene. She was discovered by the satellite label of Stax Records, where her brief but impactful career began. Wendy Rene's music career took off after she was signed by Stax Records in the early 1960s, initially as part of the vocal group The Drapels before embarking on a solo venture. Her stage name, Wendy Rene, was given to her by Otis Redding, signifying a fresh start in her solo career.

She is best remembered for her hauntingly beautiful ballad "After Laughter (Comes Tears)," which has stood the test of time as a soul classic and has been sampled by numerous artists across various genres, including Wu-Tang Clan. Despite releasing only a handful of singles during her career, Wendy's music is celebrated for its raw emotional depth and its authentic representation of the Memphis sound. Her career was cut short when she decided to step away from the music industry in 1967 to focus on her family, leaving behind a small yet significant legacy within the soul music genre. Wendy Rene's contributions, though limited in quantity, have left an indelible mark on the soul music landscape, demonstrating a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences decades after her initial recordings.

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