Big Maybelle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Maybelle
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Mabel Louise Smith |
| Born | May 1, 1924 Jackson, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | January 23, 1972 (aged 47) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, blues, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist |
| Years active | 1936–1972 |
| Labels | King Records, Okeh, Savoy, Epic, Brunswick, Scepter, Chess, Port, Rojac, Encore |
Mabel Louise Smith (born May 1, 1924 – died January 23, 1972) was a famous American singer. She was known by her stage name, Big Maybelle. She sang R&B music. Her song "Candy" was a big hit in 1956. It even won a special Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Big Maybelle was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on May 1, 1924. When she was a child, she sang gospel songs. As a teenager, she started singing R&B. She began her music career in 1936 with Dave Clark's Memphis Band. She also toured with a group called the International Sweethearts of Rhythm. This was an all-female band.
Later, she joined Christine Chatman's Orchestra. She made her first recordings with them in 1944. From 1947 to 1950, she recorded with Tiny Bradshaw's Orchestra. Her first songs as a solo artist were for King Records in 1947. She recorded these songs under her real name, Mabel Smith.
Signing with Okeh Records
In 1952, Big Maybelle signed with Okeh Records. A music producer named Fred Mendelsohn worked there. He gave her the stage name 'Big Maybelle'. This was because her voice was very strong and clear. Her first song for Okeh was "Gabbin' Blues". It became a number 3 hit on the Billboard R&B music chart. Other popular songs followed in 1953, like "Way Back Home" and "My Country Man".
In 1955, she recorded a song called "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". A famous producer named Quincy Jones helped make this song. This was two years before Jerry Lee Lewis made his famous rock and roll version. Lewis said that Big Maybelle's song inspired him. He wanted his version to be even louder and more exciting.
Success with Savoy Records
Big Maybelle had more hit songs in the 1950s. This was especially true after she signed with Savoy Records in 1955. One of her biggest songs was "Candy" in 1956.
During this time, she performed at famous places. She sang at the Apollo Theater in New York City in 1957. In 1958, she performed at the Newport Jazz Festival. You can see her singing "All Night Long/I Ain't Mad at You" in the film Jazz on a Summer's Day. Other great singers like Mahalia Jackson and Dinah Washington were also in that film.
Later Career and Passing
After 1959, Big Maybelle recorded for different music companies. However, she did not have as many hit songs. She kept performing in the early 1960s. Her last hit song was in 1967. It was a cover of "96 Tears" by Question Mark & the Mysterians.
Mabel Smith passed away on January 23, 1972. She died in Cleveland, Ohio. She had been unwell for about a year and a half. She had one child, Barbara Smith, and five grandchildren. Her last album, Last of Big Maybelle, was released after she passed away in 1973.
Musical Legacy
Big Maybelle's music continues to be remembered. Her album The Okeh Sessions won an award in 1983. It received the W.C. Handy Award for "Vintage or Reissue Album of the Year." In 2011, she was honored by being added to the Blues Hall of Fame. Her song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" was even featured in the video game Fallout 4. It was part of the Diamond City Radio playlist.
Images for kids
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Big Maybelle
See also
- List of R&B musicians
- List of East Coast blues musicians
- List of Jump blues musicians
- New York blues
