Music DigitsMusic Digits Mp3 Music Downloads

Artist: Big Maybelle Smith

Biography:

Her mountainous stature matching the sheer soulful power of her massive vocal talent, Big Maybelle was one of the premier R&B chanteuses of the 1950s. Her deep, gravelly voice was as singular as her recorded output for Okeh and Savoy, which ranged from down-in-the-alley blues to pop-slanted ballads. In 1967, she even covered ? & the Mysterians' "96 Tears" (it was her final chart appearance). Alleged drug addiction leveled the mighty belter at the premature age of 47, but Maybelle packed a lot of living into her shortened lifespan. Born Mabel Louise Smith, the singer strolled off with top honors at a Memphis amateur contest at the precocious age of eight.

• Other