Esther Phillips, born Esther Mae Jones on December 23, 1935, was an American singer whose evocative voice spanned a multitude of genres including R&B, jazz, soul, and pop. Her career began at the precocious age of 14 when she won an amateur talent contest at a nightclub in Los Angeles, which led to a recording contract and her first hit, "Double Crossing Blues," in 1950 under the name Little Esther. Phillips had a knack for infusing any song with a unique blend of emotion and grit, which helped her maintain a dynamic career for over three decades.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Phillips adapted to the changing tides of music, recording tracks that ranged from blues standards to contemporary pop songs. Albums like "Brand New Day: The Lenox/Atlantic & Roulette Recordings (1962-1970)" showcase her versatility during this transformative period in music. Her cover of Van Morrison's "Brand New Day" exemplifies her ability to make any song distinctly her own. Some of her signature recordings, such as "Home Is Where the Hatred Is," reflect her deeply personal connection to her music, often hinting at her own struggles with addiction. Esther Phillips's influence is still felt today in the breadth and depth of her recordings, like the expansive "The Essential Esther Phillips - The KUDU Years," which capture her soulful essence. Despite her passing on August 7, 1984, at the age of 48, Esther Phillips left an indelible mark on the world of music with her powerful voice and emotional performances.

Genres

Jazz Blues

Rhythm And Blues

Related Artists

Nina Simone

Etta James

Aretha Franklin

Billie Holiday

Dinah Washington

Ella Fitzgerald

Sarah Vaughan

Carmen McRae

Amy Winehouse

LaVern Baker

Ruth Brown

Whitney Houston

Latest Release

Little Blues

Esther Phillips•

Johnny Otis

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 12, 2024