Oakland's own queen of R&B, the indomitable Sugar Pie DeSanto, has sung her last note, passing away at the impressive age of 89. Known for her exuberant and sometimes gravity-defying performances, DeSanto's career spanned over six decades, dazzling generations with her captivating voice and fearless stage presence. According to her brother Domingo Balinton, as reported by SFGate, she departed this world in her sleep last Friday.
Born Umpeylia Marsema Balinton, she became a pioneering figure in the R&B genre, with her larger-than-life persona emanating both on and off the stage. Reflecting on her career, Balinton's Facebook post, which went public shortly after her death, proclaimed, as per the San Francisco Chronicle, "She was full of energy and commanded respect when she walked on stage as well as in life." DeSanto, who had cemented her place in the Bay Area's rich music history, was perhaps best known for her hit "I Want to Know" which climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard R&B charts.
Her early days were shaped in San Francisco's Fillmore District, recognized as "the Harlem of the West," where she won local talent shows and quickly transitioned to nightclubs, no thanks to her precocious talent and a bit of sass. "Never mind that, strike up the music — you'll see. And by the way, I'd like a shot of whiskey,” she would retort when questioned about her age, as cited by SFGate.
