‘Rescue Me’ Singer Fontella Bass Dies

Fontella Bass, the singer best know for the 1960's million selling hit "Rescue Me," has died from complications following a heart attack. She was 72.According to an article in Jazz Times, she died December 26 in St. Louis. In addition to her R&B hit, Bass was also successful in other music genres including gospel, blues and jazz.  She had collaborated on several musical projects with her late husband trumpeter Lester Bowie.

Bass' professional career started when she was 17, playing piano and providing backup vocals for blues singer Little Milton. She soon began recording for St. Louis labels.

In 1965, she was signed to Chess Records and released the song, “Don’t Mess Up a Good Thing” on their Checker label. It was a moderate hit in early 1965 but it was “Rescue Me,” which Bass co-wrote, that brought her the most success. Even though she helped write the song, for many years she never got credit or royalties. A dispute over royalties led to her departure from Chess.

The song "Rescue Me has appeared in several movies and commercials over the years and has been covered by numerous artists including Cher, Pat Benatar, Linda Ronstadt and Diana Ross.