Little Esther

Esther Phillips (December 23, 1935 – August 7, 1984), born Esther Mae Jones, was an American singer, best known for her R&B vocals. She rose to prominence in 1950, scoring several major R&B hits including "Double Crossing Blues" and "Mistrustin' Blues" under the moniker "Little Esther." In the 1960s, she achieved chart success with the country song "Release Me" and recorded in the pop, jazz, blues and soul genres. Phillips received four Grammy nominations, including for her album From a Whisper to a Scream in 1973, as well as for the album that featured her disco recording of "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes," which was a major hit in 1975. She died from liver and kidney failure due to long-term drug abuse in 1984.

Similar Artists

Joe Turner

Sam Cooke

Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five

Roy Milton

Wilbert Harrison

Etta James

Ray Charles

LaVern Baker

Ruth Brown

Percy Mayfield

Dinah Washington

Peggy Lee

Dana Gillespie

Bessie Smith

The Clovers

Judy Garland

Big Maybelle

Lil Green

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Hugh Laurie

Louis Jordan

Louis Prima

Wynonie Harris

Della Reese

Sister Wynona Carr

Wynona Carr

The Andrews Sisters

Bobby Darin

The Mills Brothers

Cab Calloway

Sammy Davis Jr.

Sil Austin

Amos Milburn

Louis Prima & Keely Smith