Singer big maybelle biography
Childhood and musical background ....
Mabel Louise Smith, known professionally as Big Maybelle, was an American R&B singer.
b. Mabel Louise Smith, 1st May 1924, Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.A.
d. 23rd January 1972, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Big Maybelle was born in Jackson, Tennessee.
She began singing gospel as a child, switching to a more secular musical environment, as she progressed into her teens.
Her first professional engagements were with the Dave Clark Memphis Band in 1936.
Mabel then toured with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, who were an all female ensemble, featuring Mabel Louise Smith, Tiny Davis, Jackie Glenn and Mattie Watson.
Later joining Christine Chatman's Orchestra as a pianist, Mabel made her first recordings with the Chatman imprint in 1944.
She also recorded with the Tiny Bradshaw Orchestra from 1947 to 1950.
Mabels' first solo recordings were under the name of Mabel Smith, after signing to King Records in 1947.
By 1952 she had signed with Okeh Records.
The record producer at the label, Fred Mendelsohn, suggested the stage name Big Maybelle.
Her debut release for
