Big Dee Irwin, born DiFosco T. Ervin Jr. on July 6, 1932, in Harlem, New York, was an American singer and songwriter. Known for his smooth voice and infectious energy, Irwin first rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the doo-wop group The Pastels. He later found solo success in the early 1960s with the hit single “Swinging on a Star,” a duet with pop singer Little Eva.
Though he only enjoyed brief chart success, his work as a performer and songwriter left a lasting impression on the R&B and pop music landscape.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | DiFosco T. Ervin Jr. |
| Stage Name(s) | Big Dee Irwin, Dee Erwin, DiFosco |
| Born | July 6, 1932 |
| Died | August 27, 1995 |
| Genres | R&B, Doo-Wop, Pop |
| Known For | “Swinging on a Star” (duet with Little Eva), founding member of The Pastels |
| Labels | Hull Records, Dimension Records, Argo |
| Collaborations | Little Eva, Ray Charles, Bobby Womack, The Hollies |
Early Career with The Pastels
In 1954, while stationed in Greenland with the U.S. Air Force, Ervin formed The Pastels with fellow servicemen Jimmy Willingham, Richard Travis, and Tony Thomas. The quartet gained recognition through military talent shows and eventually secured a deal with Hull Records in New York.
Their debut single, “Been So Long,” was written by Ervin and released via Hull’s Mascot label before being leased to Argo Records (a subsidiary of Chess). It climbed to No. 4 on the R&B chart and No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958. The Pastels quickly gained popularity, touring alongside Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
However, follow-up singles like “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” failed to chart, and the group disbanded in 1959. By that time, Ervin had already begun focusing on a solo career.
Solo Success and “Swinging on a Star”
After the split, Ervin launched his solo career under the name Dee Erwin, later adopting the moniker Big Dee Irwin. Signing with Dimension Records, he scored his biggest solo hit in 1963 with a remake of the Bing Crosby classic “Swinging on a Star,” featuring Little Eva.
The track peaked at No. 38 on the U.S. pop chart but performed even better in the U.K., reaching No. 7. The international success led to a nine-month U.K. tour, where Irwin gained a loyal fan base.
Later Releases and Songwriting Work
Big Dee Irwin released more singles, including “Happy Being Fat,” another duet with Little Eva, but none replicated his earlier success. Still, he remained active in the music industry. He penned songs for artists like Ray Charles and Bobby Womack, and even contributed to The Hollies’ debut album with “Kind of Boy.”
In 1976, under the alias DiFosco, he released a disco-leaning single titled “Face to Face,” signaling a stylistic shift. By the late 1970s, he had stepped away from recording, focusing more on songwriting and behind-the-scenes contributions.
Legacy and Death
Though his time in the spotlight was short, Big Dee Irwin made a lasting impact. His smooth vocals and melodic instincts captured the spirit of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He helped bridge the doo-wop and pop eras while mentoring and collaborating with other influential musicians.
Irwin died of heart failure on August 27, 1995, at the age of 63. Today, collectors and music historians continue to rediscover his work, preserving his legacy as a versatile performer and a key figure in early R&B and pop music.
Discography Highlights
With The Pastels:
- “Been So Long” (1958)
- “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”
As a Solo Artist:
- “Swinging on a Star” (with Little Eva)
- “Happy Being Fat”
- “I Can’t Help It (I’m Falling In Love)”
- “Face to Face” (as DiFosco)
Notable Songwriting Credits:
- “Kind of Boy” – The Hollies
- Songs recorded by Ray Charles and Bobby Womack
Big Dee Irwin may not have had a long list of chart-toppers, but his voice, songwriting talent, and behind-the-scenes contributions make him a noteworthy name in the history of classic American music.