181 Big Maybelle (1924-1972) “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” 1955

Influenced by gospel music at a young age, Mabel Louise Smith was dubbed “Big Maybelle” by producer Fred Mendelsohn. “Her mountainous stature matching the sheer soulful power of her massive vocal talent, Big Maybelle was one of the premier R&B chanteuses of the 1950s” (www.allmusic.com).  

Big Maybelle “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”