Big Maybelle: The Pioneering Queen of Rhythm & Blues

Big Maybelle was a powerhouse American rhythm and blues singer whose raw, emotive voice bridged the gap between classic blues and the emerging rock and roll sound. Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, her most enduring achievement was the 1956 R&B hit "Candy", a song later covered by numerous rock artists and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Early career

Born Mabel Louise Smith in 1924, she began singing in church as a child before embarking on a professional music career in her teens. Her first significant break came in the late 1940s when she signed with King Records, recording jump blues and R&B under the name Big Maybelle, a moniker that reflected her formidable vocal and physical presence.

Breakthrough

Maybelle's commercial breakthrough arrived after she moved to Okeh Records, a subsidiary of Columbia, in the mid-1950s. It was there she recorded "Candy" in 1956, which became a major R&B hit, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B charts and crossing over to the pop listings, cementing her status as a star.

Key tracks

Candy — This 1956 smash is her signature song, a Grammy Hall of Fame inductee that showcased her dynamic range and became a rock and roll standard.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On — Her powerful 1955 version predates Jerry Lee Lewis's more famous rockabilly cover, highlighting her foundational role in the song's history.

Ocean of Tears — A prime example of her ability to convey deep blues melancholy, this track remains a favorite among blues and R&B connoisseurs.

Gabbin' Blues — This 1952 duet with fellow blues singer Big John Greer, released on King Records, demonstrated her early prowess and chemistry with other performers.

I'm Getting 'Long Alright — Recorded for Savoy Records later in her career, this song exemplifies her enduring vocal power and soulful delivery.

Despite her early success, the evolving music industry of the 1960s presented challenges. She continued to record for labels like Savoy and Brunswick, delivering potent soul-blues sides. Her performance at the legendary 1972 Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival was a career highlight, captured on a live album that introduced her to a new generation.

Artists who share Big Maybelle's raw, gospel-infused R&B power include Aretha Franklin for their shared soulful command. Etta James mirrored her blend of blues grit and vocal intensity. Ruth Brown was a contemporary who helped define the classic R&B era. Janis Joplin later channeled a similar uninhibited, blues-rock fervor that Maybelle pioneered.

Big Maybelle's music remains a staple on dedicated classic blues and oldies rhythm and blues radio stations. Her tracks are regularly featured on specialty shows focusing on the roots of rock and soul across numerous independent music radio stations and online streams.

You can hear the influential music of Big Maybelle on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover her powerful catalog through the classic R&B and blues stations available on onairium.com.