Fontella Bass is a renowned American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, whose remarkable talent and contributions to the music industry have had a profound and lasting impact on the genre.
Fontella, a truly remarkable individual, was born in the vibrant and culturally rich city of St. Louis, Missouri, where she was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a musical heritage that would ultimately shape her life's work. As the daughter of the renowned gospel singer Martha Bass, who was an esteemed member of the illustrious Clara Ward Gospel Singers, Fontella's musical journey began at a remarkably tender age. By the time she was just five years old, she was already accompanying her grandmother during funeral services, showcasing her innate talent and a natural ability to connect with others through music. As she grew and matured, her musical prowess only intensified, and by the age of six, she was an integral and valued part of her church's choir, where she was able to develop her skills and build a strong foundation for her future musical endeavors. Fontella's musical talents didn't go unnoticed, and by the age of nine, she was touring extensively throughout the South and Southwest America alongside her mother, further honing her skills and laying the foundation for a future filled with musical triumphs and accomplishments.
Fontella's musical inclinations underwent a profound and transformative metamorphosis during her adolescent years, gradually evolving away from the spiritual realm and towards a more secular sonic landscape. This nascent fascination with Rhythm and Blues (R&B) precipitated her involvement in local music competitions and fairs, providing a platform for her talent to shine while she was still enrolled at Soldan High School.
As Fontella walked across the stage in 1958, clutching her diploma at the tender age of 17, she knew that this marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life - one that would be filled with the sweet sounds of music. With her formal education behind her, Fontella made the bold decision to pursue a career in the music industry, a path that would take her to the esteemed Showboat Club, nestled near the charming town of Chain of Rocks, Missouri. It was here that she would have the privilege of working under the watchful eye of Bob Lyons, the seasoned manager of St. Louis's renowned radio station. Lyons, a wise and experienced mentor, would play a pivotal role in Fontella's professional development, offering her valuable guidance and industry insight as she embarked on her musical journey.
Fontella's professional trajectory underwent a profound transformation with the support of Lyons, allowing her to record a vast array of songs through the prestigious Bobbin Records, with Ike Turner's exceptional production expertise playing a crucial role in the artistic process.
As her career continued to flourish, Fontella's music was also released on Turner's esteemed labels, Prann and Sonja, a testament to her rapidly emerging talent and extensive industry connections.
Fontella's tenure with the Milton band was marked by a tumultuous dispute with Oliver Sain, ultimately leading her to make the courageous decision to relocate to the thriving metropolis of Chicago two years later.
Fontella Bass's early musical endeavors with Chess Records were characterized by fruitful collaborations with the talented singer Bobby McClure, resulting in a plethora of duets that would eventually contribute to Bass's burgeoning success story. One of the most notable outcomes of this partnership was the song "Rescue Me", which experienced a meteoric rise to the top of the charts during the autumn and winter of 1965, marking a significant milestone for Chess Records.
After a month-long reign at the summit of the R&B charts, the song ascended to the number four position on the US pop charts and number eleven in the UK, cementing its status as a chart-topping hit. This remarkable achievement earned the distinction of being the label's first million-selling single since the iconic Chuck Berry a decade prior, a testament to the enduring popularity and widespread appeal of "Rescue Me".
The song's impressive commercial performance resulted in the awarding of a gold disc, a coveted honor that recognized its significant impact on the music industry. This remarkable feat not only solidified Fontella Bass's position as a rising star but also solidified Chess Records' reputation as a major player in the music industry.
May 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the life of Fontella, as she was bestowed the coveted distinction of having a star inducted onto the St. Louis Walk of Fame, a testament to her extraordinary and profoundly impactful contributions to the music industry, which had undoubtedly left an indelible and lasting imprint on the world of music and entertainment, forever changing the landscape and cementing her legacy as a trailblazing figure in the world of music.
