Linda Hayes (singer) facts for kids

Linda Hayes (born Bertha Lulu Williams, December 10, 1923 – May 26, 1998) was an American rhythm and blues singer. She was known for her powerful voice and popular songs in the 1950s.

Early Life and Family

Linda Hayes was born as Bertha Lulu Williams on December 10, 1923, in Linden, New Jersey. Her family later moved to Hollywood, California. She was the sister of Tony Williams, who became the famous lead singer of the group The Platters.

Music Career Highlights

Linda Hayes started her music career in the early 1950s. She recorded her first songs with the Red Callender Sextet, a group of talented musicians.

First Big Hits

Her first big song was "Yes! I Know." This song was an "answer record" to another popular song called "I Don't Know" by Willie Mabon. An answer record is a song that responds to the lyrics or theme of an earlier hit. "Yes! I Know" became very popular. It reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart in February 1953.

Soon after, she released another single with two songs: "What's It to You, Jack" and "Atomic Baby." In 1954, Linda Hayes had another hit song. "Take Me Back" climbed to number 10 on the R&B chart.

Working with The Platters

In 1954 and 1955, Linda Hayes recorded several songs for King Records. For these recordings, she was joined by her brother's group, The Platters, who sang backup. She also performed with Big Jim Wynn's Band.

Hollywood Records Revue

In the mid-1950s, Linda Hayes was a featured performer in the Hollywood Records Revue. This was a big show that included other famous musicians like Roy Brown and Johnny "Guitar" Watson. She continued to record music throughout the 1950s. She recorded with the Earle Warren Orchestra in 1956 and the Ray Scott Band in 1959.

Later Life

Linda Hayes passed away on May 26, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 74 years old. Her music continues to be remembered as an important part of rhythm and blues history.