Musicians

Earl-Jean McCrea dead at age 83, American singer

Earl-Jean McCrea, the American singer known for her work with The Cookies, died on May 7, 2026.

Also known as Earl-Jean Reavis, she was a former pop and R&B singer and organist. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, she grew up in North Carolina before returning to Brooklyn as a teenager.

In 1961, she joined a new version of the Cookies, which later recorded hits including “Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby)” and “Chains.” She also had a solo hit with the original version of “I’m into Something Good.”

Earl-Jean McCrea, 83, American singer (The Cookies).

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