Blues pianist -- who sometimes referred to herself as The Swamp Boogie Queen -- died of heart failure September 12, 1999 at the age of 63. Until 1993 (when a stroke slowed her down somewhat), she was a regular on the Chicago blues circuit. Rolling Stone called her "pure sonic dynamite," while USA Today heralded her as follows: "She's that rare commodity in blues: a boogie-woogie piano virtuoso in a male-and guitar dominated field."
This Chicago blueswoman won a W.C. Handy Award (the Grammy of the blues world) for best "Traditional Blues Female." She most recently recorded for Alligator Records, including Deluxe Edition (1999) and Swamp Boogie Queen. Living Blues marveled at her "Rollicking and energetic barrelhouse piano playing" and "passionate, gospel-style vocals," calling her "A musician who could be counted on to provide just the right backing for any style, be it blues, rock n' roll, soul, country & western, cajun or zydeco."
A New York Times review agreed: "Rock steady piano playing... a gutsy, soaring voice and sassy lovers' tidings, put across with a stomp and a hip shake. Her voice is a meaty one, full of blue, gospelly turns and note bends."
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