esther phillips

Biography

Esther Phillips, born Esther Mae Jones on December 23, 1935, in Galveston, Texas, emerged as a prodigious talent in American music, celebrated for her versatility across R&B, jazz, blues, soul, and even country. Raised in both Houston and Los Angeles after her parents' divorce, she began singing in church before her sister entered her into a talent contest at age 13 at Johnny Otis's Barrelhouse Club in Watts. Winning the contest launched her professional career as 'Little Esther,' and Otis quickly brought her into his revue and recording sessions, resulting in a string of R&B chart-toppers in 1950, including 'Double Crossing Blues,' 'Mistrusting Blues,' and 'Cupid's Boogie.'

Despite her early success, Phillips's career was marked by personal struggles, particularly with heroin addiction, which led to periods of rehabilitation and impacted her ability to capitalize fully on her talent. Nevertheless, she continued to reinvent herself musically, recording country hits like 'Release Me' in the early 1960s, jazz-inflected albums for Atlantic, and later, acclaimed soul and jazz records for the Kudu label in the 1970s. Her emotionally charged performances, such as her rendition of 'Home Is Where the Hatred Is,' and her Grammy-nominated album 'From a Whisper to a Scream,' cemented her reputation as a deeply expressive and innovative vocalist. She remained active until her death on August 7, 1984, in Carson, California, leaving a legacy as one of the most distinctive and resilient voices in American music.

Fun Facts

• Esther Phillips took her stage surname from a Phillips 66 gas station sign after her legal surname, Jones, and her birth surname, Washington, proved confusing in the industry.
• She was one of the few artists to chart R&B hits in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, demonstrating remarkable longevity and adaptability.
• Her 1972 Grammy-nominated album 'From a Whisper to a Scream' featured a powerful cover of Gil Scott-Heron's 'Home Is Where the Hatred Is,' reflecting her own struggles with addiction.
• Aretha Franklin, upon winning the Grammy that Phillips was also nominated for, gave Phillips her own Grammy trophy out of respect and encouragement.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Johnny Otis - Discovered Phillips at age 13, mentored her, and featured her in his revue and recordings. (Savoy Records singles including 'Double Crossing Blues', 'Mistrusting Blues', 'Cupid's Boogie') [1949–1951]
• Dinah Washington - Major stylistic influence; Phillips was a devotee and often sang in Washington's vein while developing her own approach. (Inspired Phillips's jazz and blues phrasing; Phillips later covered 'What a Diff’rence a Day Makes') [1950s–1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Johnny Otis Orchestra - Backing band for her early hits and live performances. (Savoy Records singles, California Rhythm and Blues Caravan) [1949–1951]
• The Robins - Vocal group featured on her debut hit. ('Double Crossing Blues')
• Creed Taylor - Producer who signed her to Kudu/CTI label, overseeing her 1970s jazz-soul albums. (Albums such as 'From a Whisper to a Scream', 'What a Diff’rence a Day Makes') [1971–late 1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Aretha Franklin - Franklin admired Phillips's artistry and publicly acknowledged her influence, even giving Phillips her own Grammy award in 1972. (Franklin's R&B and soul vocal style) [1960s–1970s]
• Etta James - James cited Phillips as an influence on her own approach to blues and soul singing. (James's blues and soul repertoire) [1960s–1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. No Headstone on My Grave (The Country Side Of Esther)
2. And I Love Him (And I Love Him)
3. Try Me (And I Love Him)
4. Use Me (Alone Again, Naturally (Expanded Edition))
5. Home Is Where the Hatred Is (Jazz Moods - Hot)
6. Try Me (Brand New Day: The Lenox / Alantic & Roulette Recordings (1962-1970))
7. Alone Again (Naturally) (Alone Again, Naturally (Expanded Edition))
8. Just Say Goodbye (Esther Phillips Sings)
9. What a Diff'rence a Day Makes (Jazz Moods - Hot)
10. Release Me (The Country Side Of Esther)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia