United States
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Fontella Bass
St. Louis, United States
Archival Overview
Powerhouse American soul and R&B singer and pianist best known for her immortal 1965 Million-selling anthem 'Rescue Me', as well as avant-garde collaborations with the Art Ensemble of Chicago.
Biographical Record
Daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass of the Clara Ward Singers, Fontella Bass began playing piano and singing in Baptist churches across St. Louis at age five. Touring with blues legend Little Milton, she signed with Checker Records, a subsidiary of Chess Records in Chicago.
In 1965, Bass co-wrote and recorded 'Rescue Me', which soared to number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number four on the pop chart, becoming an indelible classic of American soul music. She married avant-garde jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie and recorded groundbreaking experimental jazz with the Art Ensemble of Chicago in Paris, later returning to her gospel roots with her 1995 Grammy-nominated album 'No Ways Tired'.
Key Life Milestones
Global Smash Hit Rescue Me
Topped the Billboard R&B charts and earned a gold record with her self-penned soul anthem 'Rescue Me'.
Grammy Nomination for No Ways Tired
Earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for her triumphant spiritual return.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialSt. Louis, United States