Terry Timmons facts for kids

Terry Timmons (born Teresa Walker, April 12, 1927 – August 3, 1970) was an American R&B singer. She performed and recorded music in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Many people said her singing style was similar to the famous singer Dinah Washington.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Terry Timmons was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Her family had recently moved there from Charleston, West Virginia. From a young age, Terry loved to sing. She sang at school and started singing professionally when she was still a teenager.

One day, a musician named Paul Gayten saw her singing in a club. He was very impressed! He asked her to join his band, replacing another singer named Annie Laurie.

Moving to Chicago

In the late 1940s, Terry Timmons moved to Chicago. There, she became the main singer for Memphis Slim's band, called the Houserockers. This was a big step in her music career.

Recording Her Music

Terry Timmons made her first recordings in late 1950. She recorded for a company called Premium Records in Chicago. They released two "singles," which are records with one song on each side. Her first songs were "Eating My Heart Out For You," "Your Key Won't Fit In My Door," and "You Foolish Thing."

Singing with RCA Victor

In 1951, a larger record company, RCA Victor, bought Premium Records. RCA Victor then released more of Terry's songs with Memphis Slim. Some of these songs included "Got Nobody To Love" and "Daddy Be Good To Me."

She kept performing with Memphis Slim in Chicago. They also toured around the Midwest. Terry continued to record music for RCA Victor until 1953. However, her songs did not become big hits at the time.

Later Recordings

In 1953, Terry Timmons signed with an independent record label called United. She released more solo songs with them. Her recording career ended after some difficulties with the music accompaniment during her recording sessions.

Later Life and Legacy

Terry Timmons was the sister-in-law of another singer, Little Jimmy Scott. She continued to perform in clubs in Chicago during the late 1950s. Terry Timmons passed away in 1970 when she was 43 years old.

Years later, in 2004, a CD of her recordings was released. It was called The Chronological Terry Timmons, 1950-1953 and was put out by the French Classic Jazz label. This CD helped new fans discover her music.