Little Esther

Little Esther Phillips, also known simply as "Little Esther", was an American singer known for her powerful vocals and versatility across various genres, including R&B, blues, jazz, and soul. Here are some facts about her:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Esther Phillips was born on December 23, 1935, in Galveston, Texas. She began singing in church at a young age and quickly developed a love for music. At the age of 14, she won an amateur contest at Houston's Barrelhouse Club, catching the attention of bandleader Johnny Otis, who helped launch her professional career. Under Otis's guidance, she adopted the stage name "Little Esther" and recorded her first hit single, "Double Crossing Blues", in 1950.

2. Success in R&B and Blues: Little Esther rose to prominence in the 1950s as a leading R&B and blues vocalist. She recorded several successful singles for the Federal Records label, including "Mistrustin' Blues" and "Cupid Boogie", which showcased her powerful voice and emotive delivery. Her recordings with the Johnny Otis Orchestra and the Robins (later known as the Coasters) solidified her reputation as one of the top female vocalists in the R&B genre.

3. Versatility and Later Career: In the 1960s, Esther Phillips transitioned to jazz and soul music, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. She recorded a series of acclaimed albums for the Atlantic Records label, including "Release Me" (1962) and "Esther Phillips Sings" (1966), which featured jazz standards and soulful ballads. Her cover of the country-pop song "Release Me" became a crossover hit, reaching the top ten on the pop charts and establishing her as a soul music icon.

4. Personal Struggles and Comeback: Despite her success, Esther Phillips battled personal demons, including drug addiction and health issues, throughout her life. She experienced periods of struggle and obscurity but staged a remarkable comeback in the late 1970s with the disco-infused album "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes". The title track became a major hit, earning Phillips a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1975 and revitalizing her career.

5. Legacy and Influence: Esther Phillips's powerful voice, emotive delivery, and ability to cross genres left a lasting impact on the music industry. She paved the way for future generations of female vocalists, influencing artists across a wide range of genres, including soul, R&B, jazz, and blues. Her recordings continue to be celebrated by fans and music aficionados, and she remains a revered figure in the history of American music. Esth