Biography
Esther Mae Jones, professionally known as Little Esther and later as Esther Phillips, was born on December 23, 1935, in Galveston, Texas. After her parents divorced, she moved to Los Angeles with her mother and grew up in the Watts neighborhood, where she began singing in church choirs at a young age. Her prodigious talent was discovered at age 13 when her sister entered her in a local talent contest at Johnny Otis's Barrelhouse Club. Otis, a prominent bandleader, was so impressed that he signed her to his traveling revue, the California Rhythm and Blues Caravan, and recorded her for Modern Records. Under the moniker 'Little Esther,' she quickly rose to fame with a series of R&B hits, including "Double Crossing Blues" and "Mistrustin' Blues," becoming one of the youngest stars in the genre during the early 1950s.[1][3][5]
After the Otis group disbanded in 1952, Little Esther pursued a solo career, but struggled with drug addiction, which hampered her success and led to periods of inactivity. She relocated to Houston in 1954 and was largely absent from the music scene until her rediscovery in the early 1960s by Kenny Rogers, who helped secure her a recording contract with Lenox Records. Adopting the stage name Esther Phillips, inspired by a Phillips gasoline station sign, she reinvented herself with a broader repertoire, blending R&B, jazz, blues, country, and soul. Her 1962 rendition of "Release Me" became a major hit, and she continued to record acclaimed albums such as "From a Whisper to a Scream" and "Alone Again Naturally." Despite ongoing struggles with addiction, Phillips remained a respected and influential figure, earning a Grammy nomination in 1973 and performing internationally, including a notable appearance with the Beatles on BBC-TV.[1][3][4]
Esther Phillips's musical style was distinguished by her expressive, textured voice and her ability to interpret songs across genres, from jazz standards to soulful ballads. She was celebrated for her jazz phrasing and emotional depth, often drawing inspiration from artists like Sarah Vaughan and Charlie Parker. Her career, marked by both triumphs and personal challenges, left a lasting legacy in American music, influencing generations of vocalists and earning her recognition as "the indisputable queen of the blues." Phillips died of kidney and liver failure in Carson, California, on August 7, 1984, but her recordings continue to inspire and resonate with audiences.[1][2][5]
Fun Facts
- Esther Phillips adopted her stage surname 'Phillips' after seeing it on a Phillips gasoline station sign.
- She was only 14 when she scored her first number one R&B hit, making her one of the youngest chart-toppers in history.
- Esther once appeared on a BBC-TV program with the Beatles in 1965.
- She was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1973 for her performance of 'Home Is Where the Hatred Is,' a song that candidly addressed her struggles with addiction.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Johnny Otis - Discovered Esther at age 13, signed her to his revue, and produced her early recordings. (California Rhythm and Blues Caravan, Modern Records singles) [1949–1952]
- Sarah Vaughan - Stylistic influence; Esther admired Vaughan's jazz phrasing and incorporated similar techniques. (General vocal style, jazz interpretations) [1950s–1970s]
- Charlie Parker - Musical inspiration; Esther was known to vocally mimic Parker's solos. (Jazz phrasing in live performances) [1950s–1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Johnny Otis Orchestra - Backing band for her early R&B hits and touring revue. ("Double Crossing Blues", "Mistrustin' Blues", California Rhythm and Blues Caravan) [1949–1952]
- Kenny Rogers - Discovered Esther during her comeback and helped secure her Lenox Records contract. (Facilitated signing to Lenox Records) [1962]
Artists Influenced
- Etta James - Cited Little Esther as an early inspiration for her own vocal style. (General vocal approach and blues phrasing) [1950s–1960s]
- Aretha Franklin - Influenced by Esther's genre-blending and expressive delivery. (Soul and R&B recordings) [1960s–1970s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Country Side Of Esther | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| And I Love Him | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| Alone Again, Naturally (Expanded Edition) | 2014 | Album |
| And I Love Him | 2018-08-17 | Album |
| Jazz Moods - Hot | 1972 | Album |
| Brand New Day: The Lenox / Alantic & Roulette Recordings (1962-1970) | 2020-11-20 | Album |
| The Essential Esther Phillips - The KUDU Years | 2018-08-24 | Album |
| Better Beware | 1975 | Album |
| From a Whisper to a Scream | 1971 | Album |
| Esther Phillips Sings | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| What A Diff'rence A Day Makes | 1975 | Album |
| Trouble Follows Me | 2025-05-03 | Album |
| Double Crossing Blues | 2023-08-01 | Album |
| Tomorrow Night | 2018-07-21 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 80: Esther Phillips | 2023-04-07 | Album |
Top Tracks
- No Headstone on My Grave (The Country Side Of Esther)
- And I Love Him (And I Love Him)
- Try Me (And I Love Him)
- Use Me (Alone Again, Naturally (Expanded Edition))
- Home Is Where the Hatred Is (Jazz Moods - Hot)
- Try Me (Brand New Day: The Lenox / Alantic & Roulette Recordings (1962-1970))
- Alone Again (Naturally) (Alone Again, Naturally (Expanded Edition))
- Just Say Goodbye (Esther Phillips Sings)
- What a Diff'rence a Day Makes (Jazz Moods - Hot)
- Release Me (The Country Side Of Esther)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
little esther has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 21:13 | cherry red * | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Nov 3, 2025 | 19:07 | I Paid My Dues | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | 22:11 | Looking For A Manfrom Les Triomphes du R'n'B - Chanteuses #1 Vol 6 | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |