Patty Donahue

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Patty Donahue (Patricia J. Donahue, March 29, 1956— December 9, 1996) was the lead singer of The Waitresses (sometimes credited as Patty Darling).

Donahue did not write the lyrics that she sang; songs such as "I Know What Boys Like" were written by Chris Butler, although Donahue's tone, described variously by the media as "cheeky," "dry," and "knowing," with a "playful sexiness," certainly led to the songs' popularity. Though their music had a post-punk sensibility, Donahue never raised her voice above a "half-yell," yet still commanded great attention.

During the recording of the second and final Waitresses' album, Bruiseology, Donahue left the band amid tension and was replaced with Holly Beth Vincent, even though Donahue rejoined afterwards.

After The Waitresses broke up for good, Donahue generally kept a low profile, though she is credited on Alice Cooper's Zipper Catches Skin with "vocals and sarcasm." She later worked in A&R, finding other talented musicians.

Donahue died of lung cancer at the age of 40 after battling it for a year. She is buried in Cleveland's hartback Cemetery.