Bessie Banks facts for kids

Bessie Banks, born on February 8, 1938, is an American rhythm and blues (R&B) and soul singer. She is most famous for her original song "Go Now" from 1964. This song was later made popular by the British band the Moody Blues in the same year.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Bessie White was born in New Bern, North Carolina. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York City. In the mid-1950s, she started singing with a group called Three Guys and a Doll. While in the group, she met singer Larry Banks. They got married around 1955.

For a while, she performed and recorded music as Toni Banks. In 1957, she released a song called "You're Still in My Heart." The group The Four Fellows sang backup for her. In 1959, Bessie and Larry recorded together as members of a group called The Companions. They released a song called "Why Oh Why Baby."

The Hit Song "Go Now"

Bessie Banks later started singing as a solo artist again, using her original name. In 1963, she released "Do It Now." This song reached number 40 on the Billboard R&B chart in March 1964.

Even though Bessie and Larry Banks separated, they kept working on music together. In late 1963, Larry wrote a special song for Bessie called "Go Now." They hoped this song would make her famous across the country. Famous music producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller helped create the recording. Singers Cissy Houston and Dee Dee Warwick were among the backup singers.

Bessie Banks shared her feelings about "Go Now":

"I remember 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated. It was announced on the radio. At that time, I was rehearsing in the office of Leiber and Stoller. Everyone was crying. We decided to come back the next week to record 'Go Now.' I was so happy and excited, thinking maybe this was my chance to make it big. 'Go Now' was released and immediately chosen as the 'Pick Hit of the Week' on W.I.N.S. Radio. This meant my song would play for seven days. Four days went by, and I was thrilled. On day five, I heard the first line of the song and thought it was me. But then I realized it wasn’t. At the end of the song, they announced, 'the Moody Blues singing 'Go Now'.' I was very upset. This was during the time of the British Invasion, and I thought it was the end of my career. American DJs had stopped promoting American artists."

Bessie Banks's single was released in the United States in January 1964. The Moody Blues' version came out in the UK in November 1964 and in the US in January 1965.

Later Career and Legacy

Bessie Banks returned to the recording studio in 1967. She recorded a song called "I Can't Make It (Without You Baby)." In 1974, she recorded more songs, including "Try to Leave Me if You Can (I Bet You Can't Do It)" and "(Don't You Worry Baby) The Best Is Yet to Come."

Larry Banks also recorded his own music. He worked with and produced music for his second wife, Joan, who was known as Jaibi. In 2007, a collection of songs, including some by Bessie Banks, was released. It was called Larry Banks' Soul Family Album. At that time, it was reported that Bessie Banks still sings, but she now focuses on gospel music.