Esther Phillips

vocals · 1935–1984 · Galveston (Texas)

Revealed as Little Esther in Johnny Otis's revue, she put "Double Crossing Blues" at the top of the R&B sales charts as early as 1950. Signed to Kudu (CTI) in the 1970s, in 1975 she had her biggest hit with a disco version of "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes", a song by Dinah Washington.

Profile not yet validated. Written by Jazzency, not yet proofread: dates and facts to be confirmed.

Styles

• Vocal jazz, scat, vocalese
• Jump blues, R&B

Landmark tracks

• Home Is Where the Hatred Is (1972)

Cited in 2 radio episodes

• Apr 15, 2026: Esther Phillips à Châteauvallon - 1972 (Jazzlive, TSF Jazz, in French)
• Apr 13, 2021: Esther Phillips & Bettye Swann (Bon Temps Rouler, TSF Jazz, in French)

Sources

• Source

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