Musical Moment - Doris Troy ('Just One Look')

Doris Troy was an American R&B singer discovered whilst working as an usherette at Harlem's Apollo theatre by James Brown.

Co-writing and recording ‘Just One Look’ in 1963, Doris was nicknamed ‘Mama Soul’ by her British fans and soon settled in London where she was signed by The Beatles to their Apple Records label. Frequently appearing at Soho’s Ronnie Scott's Club in the 1970’s, Doris was often backed in her live shows by a fledgling Elton John (still known then as Reg Dwight!) on piano.

Despite certain successes, Doris Troy was forever grateful for the royalties that continuously trickled in from 'Just One Look' and before she passed away in 2004 she reflected, "When I recorded that song in a little basement studio in New York, I asked God to keep that song alive forever… And you know, he answers prayers...

"Just one look, that's all it took..."