Rudy Ivan

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Rudy Ivan (March 12, 1933 – November 11, 1982) was an African-American singer, composer, writer, poet, and author. He was also one of the members of The Drifters.

[edit] Biography

Rudy Ivan was born on March 12, 1933 in Fargo, North Dakota. He started writing poems at the age of 7. He studied in Fargo High School since 1st Grade to his senior year in high school.

When he was 11, he had his first interest in music. He graduated high school in June 1951. He went to college in Fargo University majoring Poetry. In Fargo University, he met one of the members of the McGuire Sisters, named Phyllis McGuire.

Three years later, Ivan quit school when he received the letter of Clyde McPhatter that he will join their band.

[edit] Drifters era

Ivan wrote a lot of songs for the Drifters. He penned songs like "When My Little girl Is Smiling" and "I'll Take You Home", he also penned Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and also a classic "We've Got Tonight".

[edit] Death

Rudy Ivan suffered from a hepatitis in 1977. He also suffered from a stroke in 1979. On November 11, 1982, he was rushed to Fargo Hospital at 4:30 a.m., Eight hours and 30 minutes later, he was pronounced dead.