Singer. Born in Henderson County, Kentucky, February 23,1923, she was best known for her role as a "Raelette", singing backup for artist Ray Charles in the late 1950s. Her musical career began in the 1940s, when she entered talent contests, developed her act and was soon the headliner at the old Orchid Bar downtown Louisville, Kentucky. In 1955, she met Ray Charles at the USO club at Fort Knox and toured with him until 1958. She became a solo act and often performed in revues with such legends as B.B. King, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Percy Mayfield and Bobby Bland. In 1961, she had a record chart hit with "I Can't Take It", returned to Louisville in 1967 and continued to perform until her death. She is a recipient of the Sylvester Weaver Award of the Kentuckiana Blues Society and a member of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Singer. Born in Henderson County, Kentucky, February 23,1923, she was best known for her role as a "Raelette", singing backup for artist Ray Charles in the late 1950s. Her musical career began in the 1940s, when she entered talent contests, developed her act and was soon the headliner at the old Orchid Bar downtown Louisville, Kentucky. In 1955, she met Ray Charles at the USO club at Fort Knox and toured with him until 1958. She became a solo act and often performed in revues with such legends as B.B. King, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Percy Mayfield and Bobby Bland. In 1961, she had a record chart hit with "I Can't Take It", returned to Louisville in 1967 and continued to perform until her death. She is a recipient of the Sylvester Weaver Award of the Kentuckiana Blues Society and a member of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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