Sugar Pie DeSanto is an American R&B artist and dancer from California. As one of the first African and Asian American women in the music industry, she has spoken on the diversity and inclusivity of the musical environment around her. Her energy, charisma, and voice have been a model for upcoming singers today.
Sugar Pie DeSanto was born Paylia Marsema Balinton on October 16, 1935. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and lived there for a few years before moving to San Francisco, California. DeSanto was born to an African American mother and a Filipino father.
Her musical career began when she was discovered by Johnny Otis. She toured with him in 1955, then toured with James Brown Revue in 1959 and 1960. Some of her most notable songs include, “I want to know”, “Do I Make Myself Clear?” and “In the Basement”. Rising to fame in the 1950s and 60s, she is far less active now with her latest EP released in 2018.
Throughout her career, De Santo was awarded a number of awards including the Bay Area Award in 1999, the Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2008, and the Goldie Awards in 2009.
