Lillian Offitt facts for kids

Lillian Etta Offitt (born November 4, 1938 – died February 27, 2020) was an American singer. She was known for her blues and R&B (Rhythm and Blues) music.

Early Life and First Hit

Lillian Offitt was born in Gallatin, Tennessee, in 1938. She went to Tennessee State University. She hoped to record gospel music. She visited the offices of Nashboro Records.

The owner, Ernie Young, suggested she sing popular music instead. Her first song was called "Miss You So." It was released in 1957 on Excello Records. This song became very popular. It reached number 8 on the Billboard R&B chart.

After her song became a hit, Lillian became a professional singer. She performed in Chicago. Later that year, she went on tour. She toured with other famous musicians like Lowell Fulson and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. She then moved to Chicago to live there. She performed in nightclubs and kept releasing new songs. However, her later songs were not as successful.

Later Career and Retirement

In 1959, Lillian Offitt joined Earl Hooker's band. She was a special singer with the band. She signed with Chief Records in Chicago. She recorded a song called "Will My Man Be Home Tonight?". Earl Hooker played guitar on this song. It became a hit in some areas. But it did not become a national hit across the country.

Her next songs also did not sell well. In the early 1960s, she decided to stop singing. She wanted to focus on raising her family. Another singer, Sugar Pie DeSanto, took her place. This was for a planned tour in Europe called the American Folk Blues Festival. Lillian's last known performance was in 1974. This show was in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Lillian Offitt continued to live in Racine, Wisconsin. She worked in other jobs outside of music. She passed away on February 27, 2020, at the age of 81.