Fontella Bass

Fontella Bass (born July 3, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American soul singer.

The daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (of the Clara Ward Singers), Bass was exposed to music at an early age, and was singing in her

Fontella Bass (born July 3, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American soul singer.

The daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (of the Clara Ward Singers), Bass was exposed to music at an early age, and was singing in her church's choir at six years old. As a teenager, Bass was attracted by more secular music. Throughout high school she began singing R&B songs at local contests and fairs.