Linda Martell

Linda Martell was born in Leesville, South Carolina on June 4, 1941. She grew up with an appreciation for different types of music. Mainly she liked country, blues, jazz and R&B. She began singing at the age of 5 in the choir at St. Mark’s Baptist Church. She also started performing R&B with a small group in clubs around Columbia. She even performed at Charleston Air Force Base during her late teens.

She was harassed by an officer in the crowd at Air Force Base during her performance. The officer wanted her to sing a country song and she did. The crowd was amazed by her performance. She also got her big break by a serviceman who was friends with Duke Rayner, a business man. Rayner flew Linda out Nashville where she would record her demo. The demo was given to Shelby Singleton, an American record producer. He was impressed and Linda signed with Singleton’s Plantation Label.

Her first hit was “Color Him Father” in the summer of 1969. Her debut album was called “Color Me Country.” She was introduced to Roy Acuff in August 1969. Linda Martell was the first African American woman to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. She shared the stage with Acuff on her debut.

Martell made local television appearances on shows like Country Carnival, 16th Avenue South, Midwestern Hayride, and Bill Anderson Show. She also went on major programs like Hee Haw.

“Before the Next Teardrop Falls” and “Bad Case of the Blues” was Martell’s two singles released in 1970 and made it to the top 60. Martell never appeared on the country music charts again during her career. She also performed at the Grand Ole Opry 11 times. After her 12th appearance, she retired in 1974.

Linda Martell proved that woman of color R&B singers can perform anywhere as long as they have faith. R&B today is the very undertone of most music that comes out. It is all about having faith and perfect timing.