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Fontella Bass

Fontella Bass was an American R&B and soul singer, born on July 3, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri. She came from a musical family; her mother was gospel singer Martha Bass, one of the Clara Ward Singers, and her younger brother, David Peaston, had a successful career in R&B as well. Fontella began her music career singing gospel music in her teens but made the transition to secular music as her powerful, emotive voice caught the attention of talent scouts.

Bass's most well-known single, "Rescue Me," released in 1965, reached number one on the R&B charts and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Her career then followed with several other releases, but none replicated the massive success of "Rescue Me." While her later work, like the albums "Free" and "No Ways Tired," showcased her versatility and roots in gospel and soul, Bass struggled with legal issues surrounding her rights and royalties that impacted her career trajectory. Despite the challenges, Bass's legacy rests on her distinctive, soulful voice and the passionate delivery that made her a standout in the 1960s soul music scene. She passed away on December 26, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on R&B and soul music. Her later works, like "At Her Very Best," compiled her most memorable performances, while releases such as "The New Look" sought to maintain relevance amidst the changing tides of music genres.

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