Timothea

Biography

Timothea Beckerman, known simply as Timothea, was born in Westwego, Louisiana, and began her musical journey at a young age, singing for change in her aunt's bar before sharing the stage with New Orleans legends like Earl King, Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, Dr. John, Johnny Adams, and the Neville Brothers by age twelve[1][4][6][7]. At fourteen, she recorded her first single, 'Teenage Prayer,' produced by Wardell Quezergue with Dr. John on guitar, marking her early entry into the vibrant New Orleans R&B and blues scene[1]. After a brief hiatus from music to raise her family, Timothea returned in 1981, releasing singles produced by Earl King and collaborating with members of the Neville Brothers and the Meters[1]. Her career flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, co-writing albums with Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, forming The RoadMasters band, and later moving to New York, where she performed in coffeehouses and jazz clubs and produced her first CD[1][5]. Timothea's musical style was rooted in blues, soul, and R&B, drawing comparisons to Etta James and Tina Turner for her powerful vocals and high-energy performances, yet maintaining a distinct voice and songwriting style that resonated deeply with audiences[4]. She was also a passionate advocate for Hepatitis C awareness, founding Siren to Wail Inc. and organizing benefit concerts featuring New Orleans icons such as Dr. John, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint[1]. Timothea's legacy endures as a pioneering female artist in the New Orleans music scene, celebrated for her talent, activism, and influence on generations of musicians[4].

Fun Facts

• Timothea was cast by Jim Jarmusch in the film 'Down By Law' after being discovered performing in New Orleans[1].
• She founded Siren to Wail Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to Hepatitis C awareness, inspired by her own health struggles[1][4].
• Timothea won the 2004 Big Easy Award for Best Female Performer, a prestigious honor in the New Orleans music community[4].
• Her stage presence and vocal style drew comparisons to Etta James and Tina Turner, though critics noted she had a unique sound all her own[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Earl King - Longtime friend, producer, and mentor; guided Timothea's career and produced her singles. (Singles released on Grand Marshall Records) [1981–late 1980s]
• Wardell Quezergue - Produced Timothea's first single, 'Teenage Prayer', helping launch her recording career. ('Teenage Prayer' single) [1965]

Key Collaborators

• Dr. John - Performed with Timothea in her early years and played guitar on her first single. ('Teenage Prayer' single; benefit concerts) [1960s, 2000s]
• Walter 'Wolfman' Washington - Co-writer and bandmate in The RoadMasters; collaborated on albums and live performances. ('Wolftracks' (1986), 'Out of the Dark' (1987), The RoadMasters band) [1986–1989]
• Neville Brothers / The Meters - Members featured on Timothea's singles produced by Earl King. (Grand Marshall Records singles) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Jesse B - Her son; collaborated on Hepatitis C awareness projects blending music and activism. ('The Hep-Acation Project') [1999–2006]
• Blue Soul All Stars - Timothea led and inspired this backing band, supporting New Orleans legends at benefit concerts. (Annual 'Once in a Blue Moon' concerts) [2000–2006]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. It Ain't Me, Babe (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
2. Pure Imagination (from "Wonka") (Wonka (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
3. Girl From The North Country (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
4. Blowin' in the Wind (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
5. Like a Rolling Stone (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
6. Oompa Loompa (Wonka (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
7. A World of Your Own (Wonka (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
8. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
9. The Times They Are A-Changin' (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
10. Mr. Tambourine Man (A Complete Unknown (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz