Mable John

Biography

Mable John (November 3, 1930 – August 25, 2022) was a pioneering American blues and soul singer, best known as the first female artist signed by Berry Gordy to Motown's Tamla label. Born in Bastrop, Louisiana, and raised in Arkansas and Detroit, John was the eldest of nine siblings, including R&B legend Little Willie John. Her early exposure to gospel and blues in the South, combined with Detroit's vibrant music scene, shaped her powerful and expressive vocal style.

John's career began in earnest when she caught the attention of Berry Gordy, who coached her and signed her to Motown in the late 1950s. Although her Motown singles did not achieve major commercial success, she found her stride as a member and later leader of Ray Charles' backing group, the Raelettes, and as a solo artist at Stax Records. At Stax, she scored her biggest hit with 'Your Good Thing (Is About to End)' in 1966, showcasing her blend of blues, gospel, and soul. After her recording career, John became a minister and devoted herself to community outreach in Los Angeles, while continuing to influence generations of soul and R&B artists.

Mable John's legacy endures through her trailblazing role at Motown, her soulful recordings at Stax, and her mentorship of younger musicians. Her life and work were later celebrated in film and documentary appearances, and she received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1994.

Fun Facts

• Mable John was the first female solo artist ever signed to Motown's Tamla label.
• She was the older sister of R&B legend Little Willie John, whose career often overshadowed hers in the public eye.
• Her hit 'Your Good Thing (Is About to End)' was inspired by a real-life incident involving her then-husband and was written for her by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
• After leaving the music industry, she founded a Los Angeles charity, Joy Community Outreach to End Homelessness, which provided food and clothing to the homeless.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Berry Gordy - Motown founder and early career mentor; coached and signed her as Motown's first female solo artist (Early Tamla/Motown singles) [Late 1950s–early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Ray Charles - Band leader; John was a Raelette, later the group's leader, and co-wrote songs with Charles (Performances and songwriting with the Raelettes) [1962–1977]
• Isaac Hayes and David Porter - Songwriters and producers at Stax; wrote her hit 'Your Good Thing (Is About to End)' ('Your Good Thing (Is About to End)' and other Stax singles) [1966–1968]
• Booker T. & the MG’s - Stax house band; provided instrumental backing for her Stax recordings (Stax singles including 'Your Good Thing (Is About to End)') [1966–1968]

Artists Influenced

• Raelettes - As leader, mentored and shaped the vocal style and professionalism of Ray Charles' backing group (Live performances and recordings with Ray Charles) [1968–1977]
• Keith John - Nephew; inspired and supported his career as a backup singer (notably for Stevie Wonder) (Keith John’s vocal work) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sorry About That - Take 1 (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
2. Running Out (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
3. That Woman Will Give It A Try (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
4. Shouldn't I Love Him (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
5. Able Mable (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
6. Who Wouldn't Love A Man Like That - First Version (The Collection)
7. To Love What I Want, And Want What I Love - Take 3 (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
8. Stay Out Of The Kitchen - Take 1 (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
9. It's Catching (Stay Out Of The Kitchen)
10. Your Good Thing (Is About to End) (Your Good Thing (Is About To End))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia