Her life story was rough.

She went through hard times and bad relationships. Died broke and smacked out.

But damn she was great during her prime.

Listening to those who played with her. Reverence, the way she captured an audience. It was told you could hear a pin drop when she sang.

Harlem in her day must have been something. Whites went to Harlem because they loved the music.


Back in the day I'm talking 1964-65. I used to go to Leo's Casino on Euclid Ave. We went to hear MoTown. Stevie Wonder, Smoky, Temptations, The O'Jays were the house band. It was great times. The audience was 60/40 black to white. Never was a problem. Just people loving music.