One For The Road: Happy Birthday, Fontella Bass

By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 3, 2012 10:40PM

Singer Fontella Bass is 72 years old today. The Chess Records artist gave the label a major hit with the song "Rescue Me" in 1965, but most people associate that tune Aretha Franklin. That's because she fought for a better royalty rate, but never got it. She joined her then-husband Lester Bowie in the Art Ensemble of Chicago and continued her career outside of the mainstream scene.

Below is a video of Bass performing "Rescue Me" on Shindig. Also performing on that episode: Jackie Wilson and the Rolling Stones.

Bass performing "Don't Mess With a Good Thing" with Bobby McClure.