This page contains Fontella Bass songs, albums and video links. Music profile for Fontella Bass with events, tracks, videos, pictures, lyrics and band information.
Fontella Bass (born July 3 1940, St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis, Missouri) is an United States|American Soul music|soul singer, who is best known for the 1965 Rhythm and blues|R&B hit record|hit "Rescue Me (Fontella Bass song)|Rescue Me".
Early life
The daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (of the Clara Ward Singers), Bass was exposed to music at an early age, and was singing in her church's choir at six years old. As a teenager, Bass was attracted by more secular music. Throughout high school she began singing R&B songs at local contests and fairs. In 1961, Bass found steady work on the local Leon Claxton Show, playing piano and singing in the chorus. She also began playing piano on blues vocalist Little Milton|Little Milton's records. With the support of Bob Lyons, the manager of St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis station KATZ, Bass recorded several songs released through Bobbin Records. She saw no notable success outside her home town.
Recording career
Two years later she moved to Chicago after a dispute with Little Milton. She auditioned for Chess Records, who immediately signed her as a recording artist. Her first works with the label were several duets with blues singer Bobby McClure, also a newcomer to the label. Released early in 1965, "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing" found immediate success, reaching the top five at R&B radio and peaking at... read all
