Willie Denson, singer and songwriter, and best known for the hit song Mama Said recorded by The Shirelles, has died of lung cancer at age 69.He pubished more than 250 songs, some of which were recorded by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gene Pitney and The Ronettes. He co-wrote Mama Said, one of four songs of his recorded by The Shirelles. He wrote the lyrics in memory of his deceased mother, Lillie.
In 2001, he won a $3 million Lotto Georgia jackpot, and took a $1.29 million cash option. But as his daughter, Danette Powell, said, "Winning didn't change him a bit. There was no difference".
