Little Ann (singer) facts for kids

Little Ann (born Ann Bridgeforth) was an American soul singer. She was born on March 22, 1945, and passed away on January 26, 2003. Even though her singing career didn't last long, her amazing music was found again shortly before she died.

Ann's Early Life and Music

Ann Bridgeforth was born in Chicago. She grew up in a small town called Mount Clemens in Michigan. Ann loved to sing and often performed at her cousin's club, Michelle's Playroom.

When she started getting other singing jobs, she changed her name to Little Ann. This was a nickname her family used for her. She was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.

Recording Her First Songs

In 1967, Little Ann recorded a song called "Deep Shadows" in Detroit. Dave Hamilton helped produce it. However, this song was not released at the time. It almost got lost forever!

In 1969, she recorded a whole album of her soulful songs with Hamilton. A record company called Ric-Tic only released one song from it. This song was "Going Down a One Way Street." It was her only song released for a long time.

How Little Ann's Music Was Found Again

In the early 1980s, something exciting happened. Someone in England found a special copy of a Little Ann song. It was called "When He's Not Around." It became a huge hit in the Northern soul music scene. People thought the song was by an artist named Rose Valentine.

Finding the Original Recordings

Then, in 1990, the original recording tape was found! It was at Dave Hamilton's house. This tape had the song that people knew as "When He's Not Around." Its real name was "What Should I Do?"

This discovery led to the song being officially released. It came out on a record label called Ace/Kent Records.

"Deep Shadows" Finally Released

The song "Deep Shadows," which was recorded way back in 1967, was finally heard by the public in 1998. It was part of a music collection called Dave Hamilton's Detroit Dancers, Vol 1. Two other songs by Little Ann were also on this collection.

"Deep Shadows" has become very popular. Other singers have covered it, and it was even used in a Nike Jordan shoes advertisement in the US! More of her unreleased songs appeared on Detroit Dancers Volumes 2 and 3. These came out in 1999 and 2006.

Finally, in 2009, all her songs were put together on a vinyl album. This album was called Deep Shadows. It was released by Timmion Records.

After her music was finally released, Little Ann got to perform in the UK. This was shortly before she passed away in 2003.

It's important not to confuse Little Ann (Bridgeforth) with another singer named Little Ann (Sandford). That Little Ann recorded music with Tarheel Slim between 1959 and 1965.

Discography

• "Going Down a One-Way Street (The Wrong Way)"/"I'd Like to Know You Better" 7" (1968)
• Deep Shadows LP (2009)