Lee Dorsey, born Irving Lee Dorsey on December 24, 1924, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a prominent American R&B and soul singer known for his distinctive voice and infectious rhythms. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and a brief boxing career under the name "Kid Chocolate," Dorsey returned to New Orleans, where he balanced running an auto repair shop with performing in local clubs. His breakthrough came in 1961 with the hit "Ya Ya," which reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Collaborating extensively with producer Allen Toussaint and backed by the Meters, Dorsey delivered classics like "Working in the Coal Mine" and "Ride Your Pony," blending New Orleans R&B with funk and soul. His music continues to influence artists and resonate with audiences worldwide. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Dorsey?utm_source=openai))