Bessie Folk

Gospel singer Bessie Folk born in 1923, was member of different gospel groups during her career. The 4-foot-10-inch vocalist, who was affectionately called "Little Mahalia" in her youth, was a pioneer in gospel music. In 1939, she was the first female soloist of The Roberta Martin Singers and in the late 1950’s, she became the founder of the Gospelaires trio. Her stint with the trio was from 1950 to 1952, alongside Norsalus McKissick and Rev. James Cleveland. In 1963, she also joined the The Sallie Martin Singers. Some gospel music critics claim that Bessie was an underrated artist that had the same potential as Aretha Franklin and her voice styles was also offen compared to Dinah Washington. In 1948, the Roberta Martin Singers hit "Only a Look," in which Folk was the lead vocalist, brought her more recognition in Chicago's gospel scene. The record company Apollo, once offered Folk a solo contract to sing secular music but she politely declined to switch from gospel to blues and jazz because of her religious beliefs. She stopped singing professionally in the 1960s and 1970s to work as a cook to support her family. A South Sider of Chicago for most of her life, Folk also was an active member of Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as choir director in the 1960s. Bessie Folk passed in 2001 at the age of 77.