| Alberta Adams | |
|---|---|
Adams performing at Sushi Blues, December, 2006 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Roberta Louise Osborn |
| Also known as | The Queen of the Blues |
| Born | July 26, 1917 Indianapolis, Indiana United States |
| Genres | Detroit blues, jump blues, Chicago blues |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1930s |
| Labels | Chess Records, Cannonball Records, Eastlawn Records |
Alberta Adams (born Roberta Louise Osborn, July 26, 1917,[1] Indianapolis, Indiana, United States), is an American Detroit blues, jump blues, and Chicago blues singer. Adams was raised in Detroit, Michigan by a relative, and began performing as a tap dancer in the 1930s. In 1942, she appeared at the B&C club, amidst other artists such as John Lee Hooker.
In 1952, she landed a recording contract with Chess Records and recorded alongside Red Saunders for the record label. Adams toured alongside Duke Ellington, Eddie Vinson, Louis Jordan, Lionel Hampton, and T-Bone Walker amongst others. Her solo career saw her secure a recording contract with the now defunct Cannonball Records, and she recorded two albums for them: 1999's Born With the Blues and 2000's Say Baby Say. Her 2004 album, I'm on the Move, was released on the Eastlawn Records label.
At age 91, Adams returned to the studio and recorded Detroit Is My Home. Ann Rabson, Cee Cee Collins and Thornetta Davis guested on various tracks.[2][3]