Jazz singer who sang emotional gospel songs like "Precious Lord" and who released moody blues records.
Her family hoped she would perform in church exclusively but, after booking gigs to play music for silent films, she realized that she wanted to be a part of the industry.
In 1987, she received a Florida Folk Heritage Award.
She was born in Pensacola, Florida.
She performed with fellow blues singer, Bessie Smith, on numerous occasions.
