Born Barbara Crosby in St Louis, Barbara began performing at an early age (in her church choir and eventually as part of a family gospel group called the Crosby Sisters). She joined a secular group called The Petites in 1963 where she met local raconteur Oliver Sain. Sain was very active in arrangements and productions (many of which were released by Chess records), and had just broken personal ties with Fontella Bass. With her powerful, brassy voice, Barbara seemed to be the perfect replacement for Fontella.
This was Barbara's debut single for Chess, and this is actually the b-side (however this side has gone on to be THE collectible side and the one which I first heard on the excellent compilation "Where The Girls Are Vol 3"). Sadly, Barbara's singles for Chess did not sell well, despite their excellence. This 45 is notoriously difficult to find, and it took me quite a few years to snag a copy. All good things are worth the wait! In addition to Barbara's amazing vocals, Oliver Sain's horn arrangement on this track is to die for, along with a relentless, hypnotic groove.
After a sabbatical of many years, Barbara came back in the late 80's as a bawdy blues singer who is still very active today.
from 1966...
BARBARA CARR - MY MAMA TOLD ME
2 comments:
Nice one. I wonder why it has 1955 on the label? Regards Dave.
1955 is the catalog/ release number.
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