Bessie Griffin (July 6, 1922 – April 10, 1989) was a gospel singer who performed briefly with the Caravans in 1953 but spent most of her career as a solo artist. While often compared to Mahalia Jackson, she had a lighter contralto that allowed her to achieve more vocal pyrotechnics — holding a note for long periods of time, continuing a song for as long as twenty minutes and ranging through three octaves.
Born Arlette B. Broil in New Orleans, she was steeped in church music as a child. She sang for a while with the Southern Harps , had her own radio show in New Orleans, and later appeared in night clubs and on Broadway.
Further Reading
- Boyer, Horace Clarence; How Sweet the Sound: The Golden Age of Gospel; Elliott and Clark; 1995; ISBN 0252068777.
- Heilbut, Tony; The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times; Limelight Editions; 1997; ISBN 0879100346.
