Conny Van Dyke, Motown Singer and ‘W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings’ Star, Dies at 78
variety.comValerie Wu Intern Conny Van Dyke, a singer-songwriter signed to Motown Records who starred in such films as “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings” and “Framed,” has died.
She was 78. Van Dyke died on Nov. 11 at her home in Los Angeles due to complications of vascular dementia, her son Bronson Page told Variety.
The Detroit native was a longtime colon cancer and stroke survivor. She got her start in the entertainment industry when she was just 15 and a student in high school, making the film “Among the Thorns” with Tom Laughlin, Bill Wellman Jr.
and Stephanie Powers. During that time, Van Dyke also worked as a songwriter for Wheelsville Records in Detroit. In 1961, Van Dyke signed with Motown Records, making her one of the first white recording artists on the label.
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