Esther Phillips: The Undisputed Queen of R&B Jazz
Singer’s Bio and Age
Esther Phillips, born Esther Mae Jones on December 23, 1935, in Galveston, Texas, was a remarkable singer who rose to fame in the 1960s.”Little Esther,” as she was commonly known, first hit the music scene as a child with her debut single, “Double Crossing Blues,” which became a Billboard R&B chart-topping hit. Esther Phillips earned several accolades throughout her career, including six Grammy nominations, and her classic tracks continue to inspire today’s musicians and fans alike.
Sadly, her life was cut short when she died of liver and kidney failure at the age of 48, on August 7, 1984.
Relationships and Children
Esther Phillips had a complicated personal life, often marred by drug addiction, broken relationships, and financial challenges. Phillips was married twice, both of which ended in divorce—the first to her manager, Johnny Otis, and the second to producer Wendell Gray. She also had three children, two of whom were estranged at the time of her death.
Height, Appearance, and Personality
Esther Phillips was a striking beauty with a distinctive voice that captivated her audiences. She stood at only 5’2″, but her commanding presence and vibrant personality made her larger than life. Her voice was described as “smoky” and “soulful,” and she skillfully blended R&B, jazz, soul, and blues influences to create her unique sound. Her sense of style was also noteworthy, and she often sported bold hairstyles, elaborate hats, and extravagant dresses.
Career and Accomplishments
Esther Phillips had a long and illustrious career that spanned several decades. She started as a child star in the 1940s, recording her first song at the age of 14, and went on to collaborate with some of the most influential artists of her time. Some of the highlights of her career include:
– Recording six studio albums with the renowned jazz musician, trumpeter Miles Davis between 1952 and 1962.
– Collaborating with Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler in the 1970s, which resulted in the classic album “From a Whipers to a Scream.” The album featured some of her top hits, including “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” and “Use Me”.
– Winning the W.C. Handy Award for Female Blues Entertainer of the Year in 1971.
– Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Top Songs
Esther Phillips had several chart-topping hits throughout her career, but some of her most notable tracks include:
– “Double Crossing Blues” (1949)
– “Shadrack” (1952)
– “Release Me” (1962)
– “And I Love Him” (1965)
– “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” (1972)
– “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” (1975)
Net Worth and Legacy
Esther Phillips’ estimated net worth at the time of her death was around $150,000, which she had accumulated through her music career. But her true legacy was the impact she had on the music industry and her fans, who continue to appreciate her iconic voice and unique style. Esther Phillips was a true trailblazer who helped pave the way for future female musicians and has inspired countless artists today.
In the words of legendary producer Quincy Jones, “Esther was one of the truly elite vocalists of our time. She possessed a uniquely smoky, soulful voice that was pure magic.” Indeed, Esther Phillips was a musical force to be reckoned with, and her contributions to R&B and jazz will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
