Big Maybelle, born Mabel Louise Smith on May 1, 1924, in Jackson, Tennessee, was a force of nature in the rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz music scenes. With an unmistakable and powerful voice that could deliver the deepest emotions, she was a pioneering figure often celebrated for her raw and heartfelt vocal performances. Her career blossomed in the 1950s after recording hits such as "Candy" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" before Elvis Presley made the song famous. Although she never achieved the commercial success of some of her contemporaries, her influence on the music industry was considerable, and she has since been recognized as a significant figure in American music history.

Throughout a career marked by both brilliance and struggles, particularly with health and addiction, Big Maybelle's presence was always larger-than-life, earning her the title "America's Queen Mother Of Soul". The Soul of Big Maybelle, along with other albums such as "The Rojac Years" and "Saga of the Good Life & Hard Times," capture the essence of her rich and emotive style. Her ability to interpret a variety of songs made her catalog varied and full of surprises—as seen in her poignant covers like "Eleanor Rigby" and original and soulful takes on standards like "All of Me". Remembered as much for her indomitable spirit as her robust vocals, Big Maybelle passed away on January 23, 1972, but left behind a legacy that endures in the pantheon of American music greats.

Genres

Jump Blues

Rhythm And Blues

Related Artists

Etta James

Aretha Franklin

Dinah Washington

Ruth Brown

Bessie Smith

Koko Taylor

Amy Winehouse

Otis Redding

Tina Turner

Sam Cooke

Ray Charles

The Drifters

Latest Release

All of Me

Big Maybelle

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 5, 2021