Ann Victoria Bogan was born March 27, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John H. Bogan and Lillie M. Bogan, she was the first of 3 daughters- Joyce Bogan and Irene (Bogan) Farmer, all of whom preceded her in death but throughout her life she created, promoted, and left a legacy of family, love, respect, and music.

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Ann was a sensitive and observant child who relished living in a home with her parents, maternal grandparents and her sisters. She had an ear for music and was observed by her parents at a young age having a mature singing voice.

Ann’s singing became well known throughout Cleveland and beyond as she sang lead at church and added her voice and song writing with various groups or at special events. While singing at church, Ann caught the attention of famous singer/producer and former member of the iconic group The Moonglows, Harvey Fuqua. He felt Ann had “it” as a professional singer. She started off on the Tri-Phi label in 1962 singing lead on “Honey, Honey, Honey’ as a member of The Challengers and did a duet with Harvey on his own record company the Harvey Label. In 1963 Harvey’s label and Tri-Phi experienced financial issues and was bought by Motown founder Berry Gordy. Berry asked Harvey to work at Motown as a producer and executive. Harvey immediately said yes and took Ann with him because he believed in her talent and work ethic. This led Ann to have ongoing studio sessions including working with Motown’s premier background vocal ensemble The Andantes. In 1964, Ann stepped up to sing lead on The Andantes’ rare and highly sought-after single, “(Like A) Nightmare.” She recorded a couple of singles that had not been released “Hold Me Oh Darling” and “These Are Things” now available on Motown compilations.

In 1967 Ann joined The Marvelettes after original member Gladys Horton left the group. Ann held her own being part of an iconic group. She had standout songs singing lead on albums Sophisticated Soul (1968) – “I’m Gonna Hold on as Long as I Can” and “In Full Bloom (1969) – “Everybody Knows (but You).” While at Motown she established friendships with Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Marvin Gaye. When Tammi Terrell was unable to sing at some events or concerts, Ann stepped in to sing with Marvin. She always described Marvin as a gifted and kind soul who was always a gentleman.

When the Marvelettes disbanded, Ann was asked by Harvey Fuqua to follow him to RCA. There she joined the soul group New Birth & its subgroup, Love, Peace & Happiness, consisting of brothers Melvin and Leslie Wilson and Ann. They made 2 albums Love is Stronger (1971) and Here it Tis (1972). Their hits include “Love is Stronger Far Than We”, “Lonely Room”, “Don’t Knock My Love”, and a remake of Gladys Knights song “I Don’t Wanna Do Wrong”. When Ann performed her version of Gladys song at a concert venue in NYC, Gladys attended and expressed appreciation and admiration for Ann’s version.

Ann walked away from professional singing to focus on her children, Antony, Teresa and Jonathan. Whenever Smokey Robinson or Harvey Fuqua came to Cleveland, they would seek Ann to say hello. Harvey always asked her to reconsider retiring from music, but she was clear she was done with that part of her life. Ann would have a 4th child, Charles “Stevie” Bogan while enjoying motherhood, extended family, and a circle of close friends.

Ann worked throughout her post singing career, most notably at South Pointe Hospital for 18 years as a Radiology filing clerk, retiring in 2001. Throughout the years Ann went through serious illnesses, On August 6,2026 at 5:20pm she passed away at Marymount hospital surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she was 85 years old.

Ann is survived by her children Antony (Valerie), Jonathan, Teresa (Richard), Charles (Stephanie) Pappy, and Felicia, grandchildren Tony, Lexes, Irene, Tamara, Charles, Jada, Shanice, Aaron, Ashley, and Seandole, great grandchildren Mina, Carlisa, Elijah, Amora and Genisis, nephews Louis, Artis, and Michael, great nieces Taylor, Brooke, Bree, first cousins Freddy Hines and Janie Hines, a host of extended family members.