Alberta Adams

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Alberta Adams
Adams performing at Sushi Blues, Dec 2006
Adams performing at Sushi Blues, Dec 2006
Background information
Birth nameRoberta Louise Osborn
Also known asThe Queen of the Blues
Born(1917-07-26)July 26, 1917
Indianapolis, Indiana,
U.S.
DiedDecember 25, 2014(2014-12-25) (aged 97)
Detroit, Michigan,
U.S.
GenresDetroit blues, jump blues, Chicago blues
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1930s
LabelsChess Records, Savoy Records, Cannonball Records, Eastlawn Records

Alberta Adams (born Roberta Louise Osborn on July 26, 1917 - December 25, 2014[1]) was an American Detroit blues, jump blues, and Chicago blues singer. Adams was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was raised in Detroit, she began performing as a tap dancer and nightclub singer in the 1930s. In 1952, she landed a recording contract with Chess Records and recorded alongside Red Saunders for the record label. Adams toured alongside Duke Ellington, Eddie Vinson, Louis Jordan, Lionel Hampton, and T-Bone Walker amongst others.

Her solo career saw her secure a recording contract with the now defunct Cannonball Records, and she recorded two albums for them: 1999's Born With the Blues and 2000s Say Baby Say. Her 2004 album, I'm on the Move, was released on Eastlawn Records label. In 2006 she released the EP Detroit's Queen of the Blues, which was named Outstanding Blues/R&B Recording at the 2006 Detroit Music Awards.

At age 91 she recorded Detroit Is My Home, with Ann Rabson and Thornetta Davis as guest artists.

Adams died in Detroit, Michigan after a period of failing health, aged 97.[1]

References[change | change source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Graff, Gary (December 25, 2014). "Alberta Adams, the Queen of Detroit blues, dies at 97". Macomb Daily. Archived from the original on 2014-12-25. Retrieved 2014-12-25.

Other websites[change | change source]

Media related to Alberta Adams at Wikimedia Commons