Estelle Yancey facts for kids

Estelle "Mama" Yancey (born January 1, 1896 – died April 19, 1986) was an American blues singer. She was married to the famous piano player Jimmy Yancey and often recorded music with him.

Estelle's Musical Journey

Estelle Yancey was born Estelle Harris in Cairo, Illinois. She grew up in Chicago, where she loved to sing in church choirs. She also learned to play the guitar.

In 1917, when she was 21 years old, she married Jimmy Yancey. Jimmy was a very talented boogie-woogie and blues piano player. Estelle often sang with him at parties and gatherings in the 1930s and 1940s. They even performed together at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1948!

Recording Music Together

Jimmy Yancey was an amazing piano player, but he wasn't as strong at singing. This is why Estelle often recorded songs with him. In 1943, the Yanceys recorded for Session Records. Later that year, they went into the studio again to record an album called Pure Blues for Atlantic Records. This recording session happened just a few months before Jimmy Yancey passed away.

Continuing Her Career

After her husband's death, Estelle continued to sing and record music. She worked with other talented piano players. For example, she recorded "South Side Blues" in 1961. She also made some records with Art Hodes in 1965.

One of her last albums was Maybe I'll Cry, which she recorded with Erwin Helfer in 1983. Estelle was 87 years old when she made that album!

Estelle Yancey passed away on April 19, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois.

Important Recordings

Estelle Yancey recorded many great blues songs. Here are some of her notable albums:

• Pure Blues (1943) – Recorded with her husband, Jimmy Yancey.
• Jimmy and Mama Yancey: Chicago Piano, Vol. 1 (1952) – Another album featuring her and Jimmy.
• Maybe I'll Cry (1983) – Recorded when she was 87 years old.