Who Was Libby Titus? Singer-Songwriter Behind Love Has No Pride And Wife Of Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen Dies At 77

by

As a devoted music enthusiast, I find myself deeply saddened by the passing of Libby Titus at the age of 77. Her musical journey, though brief, left an indelible mark on the industry and touched the hearts of many. From her early days in Woodstock, New York, to her collaborations with some of the greatest names in music, Libby’s life was a symphony of creativity and passion.

On October 13, Libby Titus, a renowned singer-songwriter who co-wrote the song Love Has No Pride, passed away at the age of 77. Her husband, Donald Fagen from Steely Dan, announced this sad news on their official website.

On October 13th, my cherished wife, Libby Titus Fagen, left us, surrounded by loved ones,” he shared, without disclosing the cause. Libby’s memory lives on through her musical legacy and her family, which includes her daughter, Amy Helm – a renowned singer-songwriter herself.

Titus’s brief foray into the music industry left a lasting impression. Over the span of just a few years, she managed to release two self-titled albums. The first one, debuted in 1968, was put out by the lesser-known Hot Biscuit Disc Company.

On this album, you’ll find renditions of tunes like “The Fool on the Hill” and “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.” Regrettably, the release didn’t garner much notice.

Approximately ten years after his first release on Columbia Records, Titus’ second album dropped in the year 1977. Notable producers like Paul Simon, Carly Simon, Robbie Robertson, and Phil Ramone provided substantial support for this record.

Additionally, it featured four songs penned jointly with Titus. During approximately the same timeframe, she graced Saturday Night Live’s stage as a musical performer during their third season on October 15, 1977.

Titus is primarily recognized for her exceptional songwriting skills, not her personal recordings. Together with Eric Kaz, she penned the hit song “Love Has No Pride,” which has been widely covered by numerous artists.

In the early 1970s, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Tracy Nelson, and Rita Coolidge all released their versions of the song, thereby attracting a wider audience to it. Throughout the years, other artists like Rod Stewart, Billy Bragg, and Rita Wilson have also recorded covers of this popular tune.

Besides working on “Love Has No Pride,” Titus also contributed to various musical ventures. For instance, he teamed up with Burt Bacharach for his album “Woman” during the late 1970s, and composed songs for Carly Simon’s albums as well. While she did not achieve widespread solo fame, her impact on the music industry continued through these collaborative projects.

Titus hails from the town of Woodstock, New York, and his life story is significantly interwoven with the world of music. At first, he was wedded to Barry Titus, and together they parented a son named Ezra Titus. Sadly, Ezra passed away in 2009.

Titus was romantically involved with Levon Helm, both a drummer and singer for The Band, during the late 1960s and 1970s. Together, they welcomed a child named Amy Helm. In various interviews, Amy has discussed her mother’s impact on her music.

In 1993, Titus wed Donald Fagen, one of the founding members of Steely Dan. Prior to their marriage, they had been acquainted for quite some time. As per a Rolling Stone article, it was at Bard College where Fagen first took notice of Titus, who made a striking impression in a fur coat and miniskirt, resembling bohemian nobility. Their initial encounter occurred in 1987, facilitated by Dr. John, and their relationship soon blossomed.

After parting ways with the music industry following her two studio releases, Titus continued to be involved behind the scenes. In the late 1980s, she teamed up with Fagen to establish the New York Rock and Soul Revue. During the initial stages of this group, she graced the stage with her performances.

The show showcased vocalists singing timeless soul tunes, and it marked the return of Walter Becker, who had previously worked with Fagen in Steely Dan. This eventual meeting paved the way for the band’s reunion in the 1990s.

Read More

2024-10-15 09:07